Watch for blueberry stunt

Blueberry stunt is a virus-like disease that is showing up in Quebec, eastern Ontario, and maybe elsewhere. Stunt is spread in plant material and also by the sharp-nosed leafhopper. Leaves may also show signs of yellowing around the edges and in between lateral veins, and are cupped slightly downward. By autumn, the chlorotic regions turn bright red. Infected plants will appear bushy after several years because of shortening of the internodes.

It can take several years for infected plants to develop symptoms. The first step in stunt control is recognizing this problem. The next step is to remove infected bushes and monitor for new symptoms in adjacent areas. Keep a sharp eye out for this disease.

Figure 1 - Classic yellowing and downward cupping of stunt-infected blueberry shoots.

Figure 1 - Classic yellowing and downward cupping of stunt-infected blueberry shoots.

Figure 2 - Short internodes cause very bushy, dwarfing symptoms in blueberry shoots infected with stunt.

Figure 2 - Short internodes cause very bushy, dwarfing symptoms in blueberry shoots infected with stunt.


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca