Blueberries - Mummy Berry

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.