Most growers are in the midst of fruitworm and fungicide spraying. The week is looking to be very unsettled, so grab whatever spray window you can get.
The news to know is that we have seen false blossom disease on a few bogs in the Carver area (see photo attached). False blossom is caused by a leafhopper-vectored phytoplasma. The disease occurs naturally in Vaccinium species. It is of very serious concern as it threatened the existence of the industry in the early 1900s when it was spread from diseased vines from WI to all growing areas in the US and Canada. Control of this disease is achieved by controlling the leafhopper. The leafhoppers are likely more abundant (making a resurgence) due to our use of more targeted insecticides over the past years. If you see these symptoms in your bog, please call Marty and Anne ASAP at ext 20.
