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Read more about the article Differentiation and detection of blueberry scorch strains

Differentiation and detection of blueberry scorch strains

The Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) was first identified in Oregon and Washington in 1987, and later in British Columbia in 2000. It has been found in over 140 blueberry fields in British Columbia. BlScV isolates exhibit a wide range of sequence diversity, with the 'Northwest' strains showing similar diversity to all blueberry scorch virus isolates. Cranberries have been identified as a host of BlScV, with infected bogs found in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. In British Columbia, the close proximity of cranberry and blueberry crops allows for efficient transmission of the virus. However, in Oregon and Washington, where cranberries are grown far from major blueberry production areas, transmission by aphids from cranberry to blueberry is limited. Efforts are being made to identify and remove infected bushes and implement control measures to eliminate the virus from affected fields in Oregon and Washington. The diverse strains of blueberry scorch virus make tracking and eradicating the virus challenging. Research efforts are underway to establish a reliable detection method and compare the 'Northwest' strain of the virus with more severe strains found in the northeastern U.S. and British Columbia. This research aimed to investigate the potential for eradicating BlScV from infected fields in Oregon and Washington.

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Read more about the article Can humic acids improve production in mature organic northern highbush blueberry?

Can humic acids improve production in mature organic northern highbush blueberry?

A 3-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding humic acids to an organic blueberry fertigation program. The objective is to see if adding organic-approved humic acids to a standard fertilization program in a mature organic blueberry production system will increase yield and affect soil quality and plant nutrients. The study compared the yield, fruit, and leaf nutrient concentration, and soil nutrients of 'Duke' and 'Liberty' blueberry cultivars with and without humic acid application. Over the three years, adding humic acids did not significantly improve yield or alter soil characteristics and plant nutrient levels. The study found no substantial evidence to support the additional cost of adding humic acids to an already healthy and productive organic blueberry system.

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Read more about the article Optimizing Nutrient Management for Organically Grown Blueberries East of the Cascade Range

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Organically Grown Blueberries East of the Cascade Range

Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) production east of the Cascade Range is an important contributor to the national supply of organic blueberries. However, native soil conditions are alkaline, have high free calcium content, and low in organic matter. Although growers amend soils to lower pH and provide organic matter, these soil characteristics influence nutrient cycling and availability. Growers need data-driven guidelines on how to optimize nutrient management for their unique growing conditions, but few studies have been conducted in this important region. This project addressed that need with an emphasis on organic nitrogen fertility practices by evaluating the effects of commercially available organic nitrogen fertilizer sources applied at low, medium, and high rates on blueberry yield, fruit quality, and various plant and soil variables. Organic fertilizer nitrogen mineralization dynamics were also characterized via a laboratory incubation study at different temperatures.

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Read more about the article Risk assessment of nematode-transmitted viruses of small fruit crops in the Pacific Northwest

Risk assessment of nematode-transmitted viruses of small fruit crops in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) maintains a $840 million small fruit industry susceptible to nepoviruses, which are viruses that are transmitted by dagger nematodes. The association of viruses with nematodes is complicated with many nepoviruses, taxonomic confusion among vector nematodes, and limited data on the ability of Xiphinema spp. populations to vector many of the nepoviruses. Research was conducted to provide an up-to- date assessment of the problem in the region and to develop new molecular tools to improve detection of this disease complex. Over two years, 96 small fruit fields and vineyards were sampled in the PNW. In total 43 vineyard, 24 blueberry, 15 raspberry, 8 blackberry, 5 strawberry and one ribes fields were assessed for dagger nematode and nepoviruses. The highest incidence of dagger nematode was found in grape vines (79 %) followed by raspberry and blueberries. The population densities were 56 and 37 nematodes per 250 cc of soil in grapes and blueberry, respectively. Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) was found in three blueberry fields, while, in grape, raspberry and ribes only one field each. Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) was found in six vineyards.

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Read more about the article Evaluating Commercially Available Technologies for Weed Management in Blueberries: Saturated Steam and Rotary Brush

Evaluating Commercially Available Technologies for Weed Management in Blueberries: Saturated Steam and Rotary Brush

Washington and Oregon account for 85% of national raspberry production and 15% of worldwide production. Growers from Washington and Oregon harvest over 80 million pounds of raspberries on about 12,000 acres. Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) continues to be a problem in raspberry production in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and in southern Washington. The predominant mode of spread of ToRSV is via the nematode vector Xiphinema americanum, also known as “Dagger” nematodes. Methyl bromide is often a method of choice for managing ToRSV and other nematode-borne plant viruses because it kills the nematode vectors. However, ToRSV often reappears within 3-4 years of fumigation with methyl bromide.

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