Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Wild Blueberry

Importance of IPM

coloful bee boxes in field for pollination with pinetree windbreaks in the background
By using IPM we provide living habitats for soil organisms, pollinators, and wildlife while still producing high-quality wild blueberries.

Integrated pest management aims to prevent outbreaks rather than treat infestation through a combination of cultural, mechanical and chemical techniques. IPM tactics should embody all available management options to reduce or maintain pest populations at a tolerable level without complete eradication of the pest.

The combination of techniques is key.

The continual use of a single chemical can lead to resistance in pest populations creating a more difficult situation to manage. Check out the NRCS Program: Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management

The IPM Approach:

  1. Scout and Monitor for early detection.
  2. Properly identify the plant stage prior to taking action.
    1. Maine Wild Blueberry Phenology Guide
  3. Properly identify the pest prior to taking action.
    1. A pesticide application should target a susceptible life stage.
  4. Develop a response method – specific to the pest and population level.
  5. Record response methods for future reference.
  6. Use predictive models when possible.
  7. Use the economic threshold in deciding when chemical management is necessary.
  8. Use chemical management only when there are no other means of control (mechanical or cultural).

Weather and Crop Modeling Tools

Past, Present, and Future Weather:

Fruit and Vegetable Crops

Growers inspecting sprayer nozzles

Boom Sprayer Calibration

VISIT THE FACT SHEET
Commercially managed bees crawling over a multiple screens

Pollinator Insects

Visit the Pollinator Insects Page
image of the agrinet icon with login (BB) and Password (Grower)

Agrinet
Login: BB
Password: Grower

Visit the AgriNET website

An organism should NOT be classified or treated as a pest until it really is one.

— Wild Blueberry Pesticide Applicators Guide

Identification and Management, By Pest

Tipmidge on stem with fireworm
Insect
knapweed flowers and bracts
Weed
diseased blueberry leaf with powdery mildew on the underside
Disease

Crop and Pest Tracking

Budding blueberry stems, yellow leaves with dew
2021 Production Schedule and Management Recommendations (PDF)
T4 Tight Cluster
2021 Maine Wild Blueberry Phenology Guide (PDF)
Wild blueberry in full bloom
Phenology Tracker
Mummy berry infection in plant leaves with silver powder on dead leaf.
Blueberry Blog

Reducing Inputs

A field with stacks of bee boxes for pollination.
Minimizing Off-Target Deposition
flamer with tractor, burn pruning the blueberries
Reduced Inputs
Commercially managed bees crawling over a single screen
Reduced Bee Exposure

Information in these publications is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.