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Botrytis Blight (fungus - Botrytis cinerea): Under high humidity and mild temperatures this fungus can attack blooms and tender growth. Blossoms may shrivel prematurely as if injured by frost. The fungus grows profusely, producing a gray to brownish fuzzy material on infected parts. Rarely is Botrytis a serious problem, but when it occurs, heavy losses can result. Botrytis can also cause post harvest fruit rot.
Mummy
Berry (fungus - Monilinia vaccinii - corymbosi): The fungus infects
when growth begins in spring, causing a leaf and flower blight. (Image)
It might be confused with Botrytis blight at this stage. Blighted leaves and
blossoms quickly develop a light brown fungal growth on external surfaces as
they dieback (Image). Some infected
blossoms continue development without noticeable symptoms. As these fruit approach
maturity, they turn a pink to white color instead of blue. By this time the
fungus has colonized the fruit, forming hard, black, survival structures inside
that remain dormant until the following spring (Image).
Mummy berry disease is not common, but when it occurs, there can be heavy losses,
especially during bloom. Preventive fungicide treatments
are recommended for control.
Stem Blight (fungus - Botryosphaeria dothidea): Leaves yellow and infected branches die. Rarely is the entire plant lost. Prune out diseased wood. Fungicides have not proven beneficial.
Stem Canker (fungus - Botryosphaeria corticis): Although susceptible, most rabbiteye varieties have some degree of resistance to stem canker. Like stem blight, stem canker eventually causes branch dieback. Prune out affected wood. Fungicides are not effective.
Other diseases: Other diseases that may occur on blueberry are Phytophthora root rot, powdery mildew, crown gall and ripe rot (fruit rot near maturity).
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