Powdery Mildew of Blueberry

The powdery mildew disease usually does not develop on blueberry leaves until midsummer after the crop is harvested.

Symptoms:
A white fungus growth on the upper leaf surface of some cultivars, or it may be indistinct and confined to the lower leaf surface.
Chlorotic spots with reddish borders are common on the leaf surface and may be mistaken for symptoms caused by the red ringspot virus.
The leaves show light green, yellow or reddish areas and puckering.
Water-soaked spotting is visible on leaf undersides. In severe cases, plants may defoliate.

Disease cycle:
At the end of summer, yellow to black fruiting bodies (cleistothecia) form on infected leaves.
Airborne spores released by cleistothecia in the spring infect young leaves.
The mycelium is superficial and penetrates only the epidermis.
Secondary spores are produced on the leaves and dispersed by wind throughout the summer.
High temperatures and humidity promote disease development.

Disease Management:

Plant resistant cultivars.
Reduce humidity in the planting.
Use fungicides if the disease is severe.

References:
Cline, W.O. “Bill”. Leaf Diseases of Blueberry. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
Cline, W.O. “Bill,” and Annemiek Shchilder. Michigan Blueberry Facts: Powdery Mildew. Retrieved 28 April 2010 .

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Gloeosporium Leaf Spot or Anthracnose of Blueberry

Gloeosporium leaf spot can cause severe defoliation and reduction in yield of blueberry crops.

Symptoms include:
Small reddish flecks on young leaves and stems of succulent shoots.
Leaf and stem flecks do not develop further.
Large brown lesions (1/2 inch to more than 1 inch across).
Development of lesions results primarily from infection through hydathodes at the margins of the leaf, and to a lesser extent through wounds. Stem lesions first appear on current season’s growth as dark red circular to elliptical lesions around leaf scars. As the lesions enlarge, the affected stems turn brown and eventually become gray and die. On highly susceptible cultivars such as Jersey, the disease results in severe dieback, measuring up to 20 inches.
Secondary stem lesions can develop from leaf infections by growing through the petiole into the stem, and from bud infections late in the season.

References:
Cline, W.O. “Bill.” Leaf Diseases of Blueberry. Retrieved 01 June 2010.
Cline, W.O. “Bill” and Gina Fernandez. Suggestions for Establishing a Blueberry Planting in Western North Carolina. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Retrieved 01 May 2010.

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Blueberries – Tiny Fruit, Big Health Benefits

According to an article in Living Well Magazine, fresh, ripe blueberries are bursting with flavor, loaded with nutrients and low in carbohydrates. They are high in vitamin C and potassium, are a source of vitamin E and important trace minerals, especially manganese and selenium. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber. In addition to their nutritive value, scientists are discovering the tremendous anti-aging, and health protective benefits of blueberries. These benefits are discovered in the very attribute that gives blueberries their sensory appeal – their color.

Blue Is Beautiful The blue pigments that give blueberries their color belong to a family of compounds called anthocyanins. Blueberries contain at least 25 different anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are part of a larger family of compounds called flavonoids. This large category of water-soluble plant compounds number in the thousands. They are characterized by several carbon ring structures joined together in each molecule. The ring structures contain many unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds, and are therefore flush with high-energy electrons. These highly reactive ring structures function as sunscreens and anti-oxidants for the plant. They absorb sunlight and protect the plant from destruction from burning up from excessive light energy. When we eat flavonoid rich foods, they do the same for us – they protect our cells from excessive oxidative damage. In addition they work with other nutrients, such as vitamin C, to build and maintain healthy tissues. Anthocyanins and other flavonoids are exten sively metabolized into the body into many other compounds that probably also provide health protection.

Superstar Anti-oxidant Researchers at Tufts University compared the anti-oxidant potential of blueberries to 20 other fruits. Blueberries came out on top. Wild blueberries were used in the study. They are the low bush type found in Maine and Canada. High bush blueberries are also powerful antioxidants.

Collagen Matrix Collagen matrix is the cellular support structure of your body. Anthocyanins work with vitamin C to form cross linkages in collagen fibers, strengthening the collagen matrix. Anthocyanins also protect collagen from oxidative damage. Anthocyanins also inhibit enzymes that degrade collagen. Anthocyanins protect tendons, ligaments, skin, eyes, blood vessels, the GI and urinary tract. Adequate vitamin C, along with anthocyanins rich foods, may protect against varicose veins, cataracts, tendonitis, excessive bruising.

Heart and Blood Vessels Red wine has been extensively studied for its cardiovascular benefits. The benefits of red wine have, in part, been attributed to anthocyanins. Blueberries contain similar anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are thought to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease are by mildly reducing blood coagulation, raising good cholesterol and inhibiting oxidation of cholesterol. Hardening of the arteries is thought to be the result of inflammation of the lumen of the vessels. Anthocyanins may down regulate inflammatory enzymes and therefore reduce the risk of developing hardening of the arteries.

Brain Age-related decline in cognitive function is related to chronic oxidative stress and inflammation on the brain. In a study in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, rats fed blueberry supplements had better scores in maze tests and had less brain cell loss and more viable brain cells after exposure to oxidative stress. According to the lead author in a study: “The current findings should suggest that a diet enriched in blueberry might attenuate degenerative processes due to oxidative or inflammatory stressors similar to the effectiveness of pharmacological strategies related to the hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Bladder Blueberries are related to cranberries and have a similar action on the bladder. Compounds in blueberries prevent adherence of infection causing bacteria to the wall of the bladder.

Protecting Cell Health We can’t say that blueberries prevent cancer because there is no scientific evidence to support that statement. Studies, however, show some potential and a need for more research. Components in blueberries, according to a laboratory study, may have some activity against colon cancer cells. In addition, a study of dietary habits of women, those who had the highest intake of foods that contain a flavone called kaempferol (found in blueberries, nonherbal tea, broccoli, curly kale, leeks and spinach) had a 40% reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Fresh and Ripe Active components of blueberries appear in the berry when it is at its ripest point. They degrade when exposed to heat. To maximize the heath benefits of blueberries, eat them fresh and uncooked. Use blueberries over cereal, yogurt, and in smoothies. You can freeze blueberries. Lay them out on a cookie sheet for best results. Blueberries are indeed among the best sights, sounds and smells of summer and now available all year round.

Resources
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52:4026-4037, 2004
Tiny Fruit, Big Benefits – Blueberries. Living Well Magazine.
Mazza, G Anthocyanins and heart health. Ann Ist Super Sanita 2007 Vol 43
Manach C, Polyphenols: Food sources and bioavailability Am J Clin Nutr. 2004; 79; 727-47.
Yi W, Fischer J, Krewer G, Akoh CC. Phenolic compounds from blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Sep 7;53(18):7320-9.
Gates, MA, et al, A prospective study of dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer 2007 Nov 15; 121(10) 2225-32.
Duffy, K.B., et al. A blueberry enriched diet provides cellular protection against oxidative stress and reduces a kainite-induced learning impairment in rats. Neurobiology of Aging 2007. 04.002

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. They are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or prescription.

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Mummy Berry Disease of Blueberry Bushes

Mummy berry, a disease caused by the fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, is an important pathogen in many blueberry-growing regions of the United States. Infected berries are unsightly and unmarketable.Severely infected fields can suffer heavy yield losses. In addition, severe blighting of emerging leaf shoots and flower clusters can occur on susceptible cultivars. The name of the disease comes from the shriveled, pale appearance of infected fruit.

Symptoms and Disease Development Berries infected with mummy berry from the previous year are the initial source of mummy berry infections.

In early spring, small cupshaped spore-bearing structures called apothecia are produced from overwintering mummies on the ground. These mummies break dormancy around the same time that the blueberry buds begin to swell in spring. Mummies develop mature apothecia about one month later, when blueberry leaf shoots are emerging. Spores (ascospores) produced by the apothecia are liberated during cool, wet weather and are carried by air currents to the young emerging leaf and flower shoots. These spores infect and blight the young shoots and secondary spores called “conidia” are produced in great abundance on the blighted leaves. These conidia are carried by wind or insects to open flowers, where they infect developing fruit that is still in the flower stage. Prior to harvest, infected berries become light cream-color rather than normal blue and drop to the ground. These infected fruit, if left on the ground, form overwintering mummies and provide a source of disease the following year.

Control

Avoidance can be used by anyone who is producing blueberries in isolated locations. Unless the disease is present in wild or cultivated bushes nearby, growers and homeowners can successfully avoid mummy berry by planting only diseasefree, dormant (leafless) plants. This avoids introducing mummies or infected leaf shoots into the new planting.

Sanitation can be used to reduce the incidence and severity of disease by removing or burying the overwintering mummies. Hand raking or using a leaf blower around bushes can be used to move mummies to the row middles where they can be disked under or collected with a bagging mower. Mummies buried at depths of an inch or more are not able to grow to the surface and are thus prevented from producing spores.

Fungicidal control has proven very successful. Fungicides are used at leaf emergence to prevent primary (leaf shoot) infection, and again during bloom to prevent secondary (flower) infection. Because fungicide labels and recommendations may change, contact your local county extension office or land grant university for specific recommendations.

Resistance is the ability of the plant to withstand, or resist, infection by a pathogen. Some blueberry cultivars, such as Tifblue, are known to be highly susceptible to mummy berry disease, while others are much less affected. To help avoid problems with this disease, use less susceptible cultivars.

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Little Blue Dynamos

Great place to learn about Blueberry recipes, health benefits,  production, etc.

Little Blue Dynamos on Facebook: on.fb.me/KGQn1v

Safe Food Handling of Fruits and Vegetables

Here are some suggestions for handling fresh fruits and vegetables safely.

• Begin with clean hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
• Cut away damaged or bruised areas on fresh fruits and vegetables before preparing and/or eating. Produce that looks damaged or rotted should be discarded.
• All produce should be thoroughly washed under running water before eating. This includes produce grown conventionally or organically at home or produce that is purchased from a grocery store or farmer’s market.
• Even if you plan to peel the produce before eating, it is still important to wash it first.
• Washing fruits and vegetables with soap or detergent or using commercial produce washes is not recommended.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Drying produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel may further reduce bacteria that may be present.

More at: http://bit.ly/J57UMV

Chlorogenic Acid: An Antioxidant in Blueberries

Chlorogenic acid is an antioxidant in many fruits, vegetables, and berries including blueberries. It is very well absorbed by the intestinal track and is available to react with many harmful substances to eliminate and neutralize the, Its antioxidant properties help fight damaging effects of free radicals. It also is an antioxidant in plants and protects against degenerative, age-related diseases when included in the diet. It has many biological funtions. Chlorogenic acid is involved in the controlled release of glucose into the bloodstream and may therefore help in delaying the development of diabetes.

As an antioxidant, chlorogenic acid can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, the major determinant of the initial events in atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL is the major type of lipid deposited in the arteries and the eventual cause of plaque formation. Chlorogenic acid is effective in removing particularly toxic and reactive molecules from the body and thereby reduceing cancer development and DNA damage. As a compound, chlorogenic acid had biological functions in organ systems and offers protection against a wide variety of degenerative and aging diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is a component of many fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, coffee, strawberries and potatoes.

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Blueberry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to 115 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Blueberries are available here: http://bit.ly/J0HnjJ

Two to get you started:

Q: Each year I lose a large portion of my sweet cherries and blueberries to birds. What is available for the control of birds in my garden?

A: Netting over trees or bushes will provide bird exclusion. Use 3/4-inch weave, and be sure the netting is secured to the ground or the trunk to prevent birds from flying under the net. You may lose some fruit that is abutting the net. Hawk models or “scare eye” balloons, Mylar tape, propane cannons, or distress calls will provide only temporary relief. The noise or pyrotechnic devices may annoy neighbors. These hazing products are best used just prior to the fruit ripening to give you time to harvest. Methyl anthranilate can be aerosolized and repel birds. We understand that the product is being permitted for use in more agricultural settings. It is worth investigating.

 

Q: How long (length of time) can I store freshly picked blueberries?

A: Freshly picked blueberries can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. It’s best if you do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Keep them refrigerated, but cover them loosely in a container, such as a colander or other container that allows air to circulate around them.

 

 

Bostwick Blueberry Festival – 19 May

Description:
Blueberry pancake breakfast served beginning at 8 a.m., cost $5, arts and crafts, country store, fresh blueberries, homemade blueberry pies and other blueberry baked goods for sale, plants for sale, library book fair, continuous entertainment, refreshments and snacks. Call 904.268.3346 for information. For information, contact Linda Bazar at lindabazar@bostwickblueberryfestival.com, or info@bostwickblueberryfestival.com.

Map available at http://bit.ly/K8MtA7

Blueberry Online Resources

The All About Blueberries Community of Practice (CoP) (http://www.extension.org/blueberries) is comprised of experts from across the southern United States including teaching and research faculty at land grant universities, county agents, blueberry producers, master gardeners, USDA-ARS officials, and others involved in the production and economic development of the blueberry industry. This Community of Practice will use novel, diverse educational methods to help increase blueberry production efficiency and correspondingly increase consumption of blueberries in the southeastern United States. Over time, this CoP will be expanded to include grower support materials for blueberry growers throughout the United States.

Other Online Resources including University, Extension, Production, Blogs, Social Media, Etc. can be found here: http://bit.ly/ISBlbA