coronavirus
Botrytis Blight in Blueberry Highbush
How to identify and treat botrytis blight in Blueberry Highbush.
potted_plant
Blueberry Highbush care requirements
water
Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining; provide 1–2 inches weekly; blueberries are sensitive to drought and flooding
soil
Strongly acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) is essential; use peat moss, pine bark, or sulfur to acidify; ensure excellent drainage
light
Full sun (6–8 hours daily); adequate light ensures better fruiting and sweeter berries
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Blueberry Highbush
- fiber_manual_recordFuzzy grey-brown mould on flowers, leaves, or stems
- fiber_manual_recordWater-soaked spots that turn brown and mushy
- fiber_manual_recordBlighted flower buds that fail to open
help
Common causes in Blueberry Highbush
Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea (grey mould), which thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, often spreading rapidly on damaged or ageing plant tissue.
healing
How to treat botrytis blight in Blueberry Highbush
Remove and destroy all affected plant material immediately, improve airflow around the plant, and apply a fungicide labelled for Botrytis if the infection is spreading.
shield
Preventing botrytis blight in Blueberry Highbush
Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.