REPLANT BLUEBERRY SITES IN SOUTH GEORGIA AND DISCOVER OF POSSIBLE NEMATODE ASSOCIATION WITH REPLANT DISORDER
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Elvin Andrews
Naylor
Abstract
Rabbiteye (RBE) blueberry cultivars dominate commercial Georgia production. New RBE and machine harvested Southern Highbush (SHB) varieties have been introduced. Due to the superior characteristics of these new varieties, producers are replanting established blueberry sites. Replanting blueberries in previous sites has shown disorders of poor growth and plant decline. The cause of this plant decline was thought to be root pathogens (Phytophthora and Pythium species). Fumigation has not been a recommended practice for new establishment, but it was not known whether fumigation would be of benefit in replant sites. An initial trial conducted in 2007 at Alapaha, GA to review replant disorders indicated that only the fumigants impacted the plant health of replanted blueberries. The UGA nematologist suggested that nematodes could be the reason for blueberry replant disorder. Field fumigation trials were established in 2008 at replant sites in Alma and Homerville, GA. Initial results indicate substantive benefits in vigor and plant health of blueberry plants following fumigation, especially as related to decreased ring nematode populations. Nematodes, especially ring nematodes, likely contribute to stunting associated with replant disorder in many Georgia sites. Fumigation is a good recommendation for replant sites, though the degree of impact may vary.
Authors: Andrews, E. , Brannen, P.M.
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Andrews, E. County Extension Coordinator, UGA Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31635
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Brannen, P.M. Extension Fruit Pathologist, UGA Coopertive Extension, Georgia, 30602