blueberry leaf issues - Ask Extension
HI, 2nd yr blueberry bush. in a large wine barrel. singular blueberry plant. Bloomed, berries formed and then 1 day i noticed they dried up. Didn't...
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blueberry leaf issues #839483
Asked July 07, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT
HI,
2nd yr blueberry bush. in a large wine barrel. singular blueberry plant.
Bloomed, berries formed and then 1 day i noticed they dried up.
Didn't think it was that dry as I was watering it. (but maybe
not enough?)
then the leaves starting yellowing, so i treated w Down to Earth Acid Mix ferterlizer.
Now the yellowing is starting to fill out, but new development is the pics attached.
Did the plant just get too dry, and that's why the brown leaves? or is there a disease problem?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
The bottom photo show clear signs of iron chlorosis, which is an indicator that the soil pH is off. The acid fertilizer will lower the pH, but may not react quickly enough to amend the problem, you may need to apply some sulfur as well (for more, refer to https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/blueberry-vaccinium-corymbosum-incorrect-soil-ph). You should test the soil pH and correct it if needed. OSU Extension in Lane County will be offering soil pH testing for home gardeners in the fall (for more information and a list of soil pH testing dates, see: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/county/lane/events).
The browning of leaves and shriveled fruit may be due to lack of water, but may also be mummy berry disease. For comparison, you can find a good description of symptoms and photos of mummy berry here:
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/blueberry-vaccinium-corymbosum-mummy-berry. If mummy berry, follow the practices listed under cultural control.
The browning of leaves and shriveled fruit may be due to lack of water, but may also be mummy berry disease. For comparison, you can find a good description of symptoms and photos of mummy berry here:
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/blueberry-vaccinium-corymbosum-mummy-berry. If mummy berry, follow the practices listed under cultural control.