Highbush blueberries are an important crop for Vermont and New England berry growers targeting local markets. Mummyberry disease can be a limiting factor in production of a crop in some years. The biology of the pathogen, availability of effective pesticides and proper timing of pesticide applications have not been well understood by the growers.

During the past year, the Vermont IPM program sponsored and led an IPM Strategic Planning Meeting for New England blueberry growers and specialists to outline, discuss and strategize IPM for the key insect, weed and disease pests of blueberry.

When the participating growers were surveyed following the meeting, 100% of the growers indicated that the information learned at the meeting would increase their use of IPM practices when managing blueberry insect and disease problems in the coming season. Ninety percent indicated they would use more cultural practices (covering mummies with mulch); 90% indicated they would use less pesticides as a result of the information shared at the meeting, and 100% of the non-organic growers indicated the workshop would help them make more informed decisions when choosing to use conventional pesticides for mummyberry disease.