Evaluating fungicides and biocontrol products for control of post-harvest fruit rots in blueberries, 2012

摘要

The experiment was conducted in a mature commercial blueberry planting in Covert, MI. Bushes were spaced at 5 x 10 ft. Treatments were applied to 4-bush plots and were replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Sprays were applied using a research sprayer equipped with six 5-gal tanks, a 12-volt 3.8-gpm high-flow electric pump set at 55 psi, and an XR TeeJet 8002VS nozzle on a 5-ft spray boom. Spray volume was 40 gpa. Spray dates and phenological stages were as follows: 21 Mar (1/2in. green tip), 29 Mar (pink bud), 2 Apr (pink bud), 5 Apr (pink bud), 14 Apr (bloom), 24 Apr (50% petal fall), 31 May (green fruit), and 13 Jun (10% blue fruit). Total rainfall between sprays was 0.54, 0.21, 0.0, 0.0, 1.17, 3.45 and 1.02 in., respectively. On 6 Jul, fifty ripe berries per subplot were harvested, placed equidistantly on metal screens in aluminum trays and incubated at room temperature and 100% RH. Twelve days later, the berries were rated for fruit rot. Bushes were also observed for potential phytotoxicity.