Treating Blueberry Mummy Berry: How to Save Your Crops

Blueberries are a favorite fruit for many, but they are also vulnerable to diseases like the mummy berry. The mummy berry disease can destroy an entire blueberry crop if it is left untreated. In this article, we will explore how to identify and treat blueberry mummy berry effectively.

What is Blueberry Mummy Berry?

The mummy berry disease is caused by a fungus called Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi that attacks the flowers and developing fruit of blueberry plants. Once infected, the affected berries drop prematurely from the plant and turn into shriveled-up "mummies" on the ground. These mummified berries become a source of infection for future seasons, making it crucial to control the disease before it spreads.

Identifying Blueberry Mummy Berry

The symptoms of blueberry mummy berry are apparent during the flowering and fruiting stages of the blueberry plant. Early symptoms include brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. As the disease progresses, small amounts of white fungal growth may appear on the infected parts of the plant. The most noticeable symptom is the presence of shriveled, mummified berries on the ground under the plant.

Preventing Blueberry Mummy Berry

The best way to prevent blueberry mummy berry is by practicing good cultural practices. This includes removing and destroying all fallen fruit and leaves around the base of the plant. Using clean planting materials and irrigation water will also help prevent the spread of the disease. Planting blueberries in well-drained soil with good air circulation can also help reduce the risk of infection.

Treating Blueberry Mummy Berry

If you suspect your blueberry plants have mummy berry disease, there are several treatment options available:

1. Fungicides: Applying fungicides at the right time can be an effective way to control the disease. It is crucial to note that preventative applications are more effective than curative ones. Fungicides should be applied at bud break, bloom, and petal fall stages to prevent infection.
2. Pruning: Pruning infected branches and shoots can help reduce the number of spores that infect new growth. Be sure to sanitize pruning tools properly to avoid spreading the disease to other plants.
3. Burn Infected Material: Removing and burning infected material such as mummified berries and leaves can help prevent the spread of the disease. Do not compost infected plant material.
4. Crop Rotation: If your blueberry plants have been infected with mummy berry, consider rotating the location of the blueberry bushes. This helps reduce the risk of re-infection, as spores can remain in the soil for up to three years.

Blueberry mummy berry can be devastating to your blueberry crops, but with proper prevention and treatment, you can save your harvest. By identifying the symptoms early and taking appropriate measures, such as using fungicides, pruning infected branches, and burning infected materials, you can minimize the impact of the disease. With these steps, you can continue to enjoy healthy and delicious blueberries year after year.

An illustration of blueberry mummy berry disease

blueberry harvest, plant diseases, blueberry fungus, plant treatment, crop management