Stem and Leaf Diseases and Their Effects on Yield in Maine Lowbush Blueberry Fields

SUMMARY In 2001, six lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) fields in crop production were examined for the effects of stem and leaf diseases on yield. Symptomatic and control stems were tagged during bloom and the flowers per stem were counted. In late July, the berries were counted. Fungi commonly found on stems and leaves included Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, and Gloeo-sporium. For one field, stems with disease at their base showed a significant reduction in yield compared to healthy stems. Fungicides being evaluated for control of Monilinia blight had no significant effect on either stem disease or leaf spot incidence.