Monthly Archives: February 2015

Update on Bud Break and Mummy Status

Posted on February 27, 2015 by florencj

I just got back from the Botany and Plant Pathology Field Lab in Corvallis, Oregon. Here are some pictures of the blueberries. Contrastingly, here is an image of bud swell occurring on Berkeley blueberry bushes. And now for the mummies. Here … Continue reading →

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Warm Weather This Early?! What’s the Threat of Mummy Berry Disease??

Posted on February 26, 2015 by florencj

The warm weather has definitely taken many growers by surprise, with floral bud break on the Bluetta variety of blueberries already occurring. We’re getting many calls and emails asking: “Are apothecia present yet? And should I be spraying?!” Our field … Continue reading →

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February 11 Workshop Recap

Posted on February 16, 2015 by florencj

Last week, we held a workshop in Mt. Vernon, Washington for blueberry growers. The topics included mulching for mummy berry control options, environmental factors influencing apothecia production, spray options for control, spotted wing drosophila, and other pathogens of concern. Check … Continue reading →

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The Visqueen-Mulch System

Posted on February 5, 2015 by florencj

Next week, on Wednesday, February 11, we’ll be holding our next mummy berry workshop in Mt. Vernon, Washington in affiliation with the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides. In anticipation of sharing ideas and research regarding blueberry production and mummy berry … Continue reading →

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Extension Publications

Posted on February 4, 2015 by florencj

Here’s the link to the OSU Extension Catalog’s section on Berries and Grapes: Click here Current publications include: A Detailed Guide for Testing Fruit for the Presence of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) Larvae Spotted Wing Drosophila: A Quick, 7-Step Guide … Continue reading →

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Sustainability on YOUR Farm!

Posted on February 2, 2015 by florencj

Have you ever heard that agriculture is one of the leading contributors to water pollution? Do you know what you can do to prevent it? A very cool report from NPR, addresses the issue in Iowa: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/02/02/382475870/heres-how-to-end-iowas-great-nitrate-fight

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