P.E.I. blueberries show some blight but crop still on track

P.E.I.'s blueberry crop is showing low levels of the botrytis blight thanks to the cold, damp weather in June.

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It's really scattered, it's not a big outbreak or anything like that— Chris Jordan, P.E.I. berry crop development officer

"We do have low levels of botrytis blight but it's really dependent on weather conditions," said Chris Jordan, berry crop development officer and provincial apiarist with the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"Because the weather during bloom was rather wet and cool, we do have symptoms of botrytis blight more than we have in previous years."

Berries don't develop

Blueberry growers have been calling Jordan asking about what they're seeing on their plants.

"They'll see a blueberry stem with some berries on it, or in some cases no berries on it, and they'll see shriveled up blossoms that look kind of dark," said Jordan.

"Often times if you look close enough, a distinguishing feature of botrytis blight is little black hairs that come off the dead flower of the blueberry."

​Botrytis blight can reduce the yield from a field, said Jordan, but only with a severe infestation. He said this year's levels on P.E.I. are more than in the past but still acceptable.

Growers can also use a crop protection product, he added, if they feel conditions at blossom time are ripe for the blight.

'Not a big outbreak'

Jordan is hearing reports from all across the Island.

"It's really scattered, it's not a big outbreak or anything like that, there are just certain plants in the fields that are showing symptoms."

John Handrahan, president of the P.E.I. Wild Blueberry Association, has some patches in his fields near Tignish.

He's also hearing from other growers who are telling him some fields and farms have more than others.

Kevin Byers, farm manager for Jasper Wyman and Son, one of P.E.I.'s largest blueberry producers, also reports "some evidence" of botrytis blight but nothing significant.

Crop still looking good

Another form of blight, monilinia, is being reported in some fields, added Jordan, but it's "nothing out of the ordinary".

"Last year was the biggest crop we've ever had in P.E.I. blueberries and this year will probably be similar or a little bit
better," he said.

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