Blueberry disease

15 years ago

I have a couple of Jewel blueberries that have developed some kind of a disease on new growth. It was growing healthily before and fruited well. I thought blueberries were fairly disease resistant. Does anyone have any suggestions what it may be or how to treat it? Thank you.

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Comments (8)

User
15 years ago
Thomas,

It isn't a disease but rather mechanical damage from an insect, probably a leaf roller of some sort. The plant looks a bit low on nitrogen as well.
thomas12
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you, Bamboo! Why do you think that it is low on nitrogen?
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User
15 years ago
Blueberry plants don't compete well with other plants. I see grass in the picture, perhaps it is too close? See the color of the grass? You would like the BB leaves that shade of green. What do you have it planted in? Are you sure the PH is ok? A ph that is too high will cause the leaves to be light colored as well.
thomas12
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you, Bamboo! They are planted in 75% ground pine bark, 25% original soil. The pine bark is about 10 inches deep and about 2 ft in diameter (no grass). I fertilize it with Espoma organic fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Based on your experience, should they feel happy there? I have Jewel, Emerald, Sunshine Blue, Sweet Crisp, Primadonna, Sharpblue and O'Neal. Thanks for your advice in advance!
User
15 years ago
Thomas,

Sounds like you are doing everything right. In the picture the grass looks fairly close to the bush, must just be the angle. If they were mine I would still add some Sulphur around the plants as it is very difficult to get the PH too low here in Florida or even add some well wetted peat around the bushes and then cover that with more pine fines.
gatormomx2
15 years ago
Blueberries require a soil pH of 4.0 to 5.5.
Have your pH tested before you add anything else.

Here is a link that might be useful: Blueberry Gardener's Guide
thomas12
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you! I will add some sulfur and test the PH and see if that helps. I have a PH meter but it is hard to get a reliable reading with it. I usually get anywhere from 5 to 6.8, depending on depth, wetness and location.
User
15 years ago
If you have it in pinebark and peat there is really no need to get the PH tested. You could test the PH one day and it will be 5 and the next day it will be 7 and that is simply due to when and how much you watered. The water here is alkaline and the peat helps buffer the incoming alkaline water. To be clear...say you have 6 inches of peat. If you pour 7.5 ph water on that peat when it soaks down through that peat it will be acidic when it leaves the peat blanket and perfect for the plant.