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abnormal growths on blueberry bushes #478047

Asked August 14, 2018, 8:52 AM EDT

My blueberry bushes develop odd growths on existing branches: dense, clusters of shiny yellowish branches with small leaves and no fruit. Last fall I cut them all back, but they have reappeared this year.
What are they and how can I get rid of them.

Caledonia County Vermont

Expert Response

What you described growing in your blueberries could be witches broom. This is a systemic fungus disease which you cannot get rid of. Cutting out the odd growth will help the bush maintain it's vigor. An alternate host for this fungus is the fir tree.

Here is a link to pictures of witches broom.

https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/plant-disease-images/blueberry-witches-broom-images/

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 14, 2018, 11:48 AM EDT

Thanks so much for the quick answer. This looks like what I have.
Here's a photo I just took.

The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2018, 11:52 AM EDT

Thanks so much for the quick answer. This looks like what I have.
Here's a photo I just took.

The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2018, 11:52 AM EDT

Thanks so much for the quick answer. This looks like what I have.
Here's a photo I just took.

The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2018, 11:52 AM EDT

Thanks so much for the quick answer. This looks like what I have.
Here's a photo I just took.

The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2018, 11:52 AM EDT

Thanks so much for the quick answer. This looks like what I have.
Here's a photo I just took.

The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2018, 11:52 AM EDT

This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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