Scorch
The blueberry
12 host plants
Last updated
Scorch appears as browning of leaf margins and tips on affected plants. Ensure consistent watering, especially during establishment. Avoid excessive fertilizer which can promote this condition. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. This stress condition often resolves with improved care. Scorch problems increase during hot, dry periods or with newly planted trees. Consistent watering and mulching help prevent damage Early detection and prompt management of symptoms help limit disease spread.
When the disease is first suspected, have plants tested to confirm the presence of this specific virus. Do not wait until the following year to see if symptoms reoccur before testing, delaying control measures will increase the number of plants that will need to be removed.
Quick Reference
Management
Cultural Controls
- When the disease is first suspected, have plants tested to confirm the presence of this specific virus.
- Do not wait until the following year to see if symptoms reoccur before testing, delaying control measures will increase the number of plants that will need to be removed.
- Remove infected plants that exhibit blighting, test adjacent plants to identify infected but symptomless plants.
- Monitor the field for at least three years for symptoms.
- Remove any infected plants that show blighting or that test positive for the virus.
- Replant with certified virus-tested (and found to be free of all known viruses), disease-tolerant plants.