Monilinia infection periods possible later this week

The warm weather this past weekend and the last few days will have had buds develop and probably many fields have susceptible buds.  I have not had reports on bud development this week, so please check your field.

Mummy berry cups are probably in most regions and typically continue for at least 2 weeks after the first pinheads.

I think it is unlikely that there will be conditions for Monilinia infection tonight (Tuesday) in most areas. The temperatures will be warm overnight but even at 60F the fungus still needs over 5 hours of wetness on the plant surface to be able to infect the plant.  It looks like the forecast is for shorter periods of rain then 5 hours tonight.

There will be conditions for Monilinia infections with the rain forecast to start in some places Thursday night and continue through Saturday. 

Applying fungicides before rain events is the best way to control mummy berry. Please see the Cooperative Extension list of Fungicides for use on wild blueberries and with the Board of Pesticides for registered materials.   The following fungicides are on the Cooperative Extension list but cannot be used since they are not registered in Maine: Indar, Quilt Xcel, Fontelis and Captevate.  Please also check with your processor for acceptable fungicides to use.

Please let me know how your plants and mummy berry plots are doing.

Thank you,

Seanna