SMALL FRUIT UPDATE | WEEK 33 | AUGUST 10, 2022

Before the heat blackberry. July, 2022. Photo by Abby C Gearing

Guest Commentary
WHAT'S INSIDE
Read below for a follow up to the continued observation and research community discussion of
INDUSTRY RESOURCES the plant health problem identified this year in western portions of the PNW. Thanks to the vast
PNW research network for coming together with WSU coordinating the efforts:
GROWER RESOURCES
The Pacific Northwest berry research and extension community met a second time to discuss
INDUSTRY NEWS the blueberry plant health issue affecting several fields in western Washington, Oregon, and
British Columbia. Symptoms observed in affected plants (primarily ‘Liberty’ and ‘Bluecrop’)
included dieback of 1-year old wood, reduced vegetative/lateral shoot emergence, lesions on
PEST MANAGEMENT
vegetative leaves, and floral bud or flower blight. The pattern observed across the region does
not match freeze or frost damage. Pathology assays led by Dr. Chakradhar Mattupali indicated
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that there were no pathogens consistently being isolated from affected tissues, and
pseudomonas was found only on a few of the samples. Dieback continued to progress after
bloom but did not extend to older wood, based on observations made to date in western
Washington. Affected growers are experiencing yield loss as a result of this plant health
problem, but at this stage, we believe the damage will be restricted to this year given it has not
extended to older wood. The potential causes of this plant health problem remain speculative
and could be environmental (e.g., heat, cold, and/or high moisture), viral (e.g., scorch virus,
which certain assays cannot detect due to viral genome diversity), or an interaction between
environmental factors and viral infection. Unfortunately, the complexity of the plant health
problem makes it nearly impossible to confidently diagnose. Our recommendation is for
growers to follow best management practices for irrigation and nutrient management, to
remove affected tissue and prune hard during winter pruning to stimulate regrowth, and to test
for viruses if viruses are suspected. Below are labs that can conduct virus testing. Carefully
Subscribe Here follow sample collection and submission protocols. If virus is detected, follow best
management practices outlined in the PNW handbook (link) and/or consult with local area
Small Fruit Update is
specialists.
produced once a week
during the growing Labs for virus testing her for OR, BC, and WA
season and bimonthly USDA-ARS Small Fruit Virology Lab in Corvallis
outside the growing OSU and WSU Plant Disease Clinics
season (Oct - Feb) Phyto Diagnostics Company Ltd. in North Saanich, BC. The BC Blueberry Council
covers the cost for testing up to 30 free samples from BC growers.

Prepared by: Lisa DeVetter, Chakradhar Mattupalli, Dimitre Mallov, Eric Gerbrandt, David Bryla,
Tom Walters, Julie Pond, Jason Myer, Virginia Stockwell, Carolyn Tesdale, Siva Sabaratnam,
Kelly Ivors, Jenny Glass, and Wei Yang

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 01
 Grower Resources

REGIONAL FIELD REPORTS

Oregon, Willamette Valley (8/5) From Jason Myer, Peerbolt Crop Management, Portland, OR
Blueberries: A ton of fruit coming in. Many packers are out of flats and are harvesting into lugs. Facilities are
completely full. The potential primary reason for holding fruit is to get better pricing as the surge of harvest
passes. Calypso fruit is coming off too big and, in some cases, doesn’t seem to be working well in standard
packs.

Blackberries: Blackberries struggled with SWD issues pre heatwave (not much fruit remained after the heat but
SWD is still a concern). Growers who were not keeping up with regular spray programs were finding 40+ SWD
larvae per one pound dock sample. However, because of high demand, no one has heard of loads being
rejected. Packers need all grades of the fruit.

Washington Blueberry Commission (8/5) From Alan Schreiber

Blueberries: Eastern Washington is winding down on Draper harvest and growers are starting to move into
later season variety. This indicates that the volumes out of Washington can be expected to decline in the next
week or two as Duke and Draper represent the majority of blueberries planted in the area.

Northern Washington, Whatcom & Skagit Counties (8/6) From Lisa DeVetter
Blueberries: In northwest Washington, 'Duke' harvest is wrapping up this week and fresh picks are moving into
later cultivars, but there is still a lot of green fruit out there.

Raspberries: Raspberry harvest in northwest Washington is also winding down for 'Meeker' with a few more
picks left for later cultivars like 'WakeField'. The heat caused some sunburn on raspberry fruit and leaf tissue
browning, but thankfully nowhere near the damage observed last year.

Now is a good time to remind ourselves to sample leaves for informing nutrient management plans. For
caneberry and blueberry, tissue testing between late July and early August is recommended. This is also a
good time to sample June-bearing strawberry. For day neutrals, sample leaves in July or August if planted in
May or June. If fall planted, collect day-neutral leaves the following year when the planting is fruiting. Guides in
the links below have additional information for those preparing to do their leaf tissue sampling.

Caneberry Nutrient Management Guide (page 2)

Nutrient Management for Blueberries (starting on page 3)
Strawberry Nutrient Management Guide for Oregon and Washington (starting on page 10):

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 02
British Columbia, Fraser Valley (8/8) From Chuck Mouritzen, Southwest Crop Consulting, Chilliwack,
BC
It's still quite warm these past few days (30+C, 86F) but there doesn't appear to be the stress of earlier heat
waves. Probably due to day lengths starting to shorten and cooler nights and early mornings being more
prevalent. Typical late summer changes.

Blueberries: Dukes still coming in. There is a great degree of crop maturity variance out there. Reka is picking
and Draper to some degree. But here as well there is considerable variance in field maturities site to site. There
is a bit of Bluecrop starting to be machined as well. Softness is an issue in this variety. Calypso is not ready yet
but is developing quickly now. I'd say there is not a big volume to be had in this variety this season. Late
varieties are starting to develop some coloured fruit.

Raspberries: Raspberries essentially done except for Wakefield which will carry on for quite some time yet.
Overall a disappointing raspberry crop. Volumes are off, considerably in some cases.

PEST ALERT: SWD

Spotted Wing Drosophila larvae are being found in blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This is a
high SWD population season. While this heat could have a knock down effect on populations, it’s
important to keep in mind what your market can bear with regards to SWD pressure. Be prepared to:

Monitor fruit often for SWD larvae using the fruit dunk method.
understand that trapping for adult SWD while fruit is ripening isn’t as effective as trapping before
ripening due to competition with attractive fruit.
consider appropriate management for your markets, refer to berry pesticide options and MRLs as
needed.

Blushing blackcaps. July, 2022. Photo by Abby C Gearing

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 03
 Nutrient Management

Weeks 30-31 are the critical time of year when nutrient tissue sampling needs to happen. For the next few
weeks we’re providing some guidelines for doing it right. Acknowledgements: Almost all information comes
from Bernadine Strik (OSU) and Lisa DeVetter (WSU). A good reminder from Lisa Wasco DeVetter, WSU: “For
caneberry and blueberry, tissue testing between late July and early August is recommended. This is also a
good time to sample June-bearing strawberry. For day neutrals, sample leaves in July or August if planted in
May or June. If fall planted, collect day-neutral leaves the following year when the planting is fruiting.

Soil Testing
All crops: Pre-planting soil testing is critical. RECOMMENDED TIMING & FREQUENCY OF TESTING
Adjusting soil pH & incorporating nutrients (like
potassium and phosphorus) that don’t move readily Soil Sampling
from surface applications should happen before Always before planting.
planting. For analyzing problem situations.
Only every few years for maintenance checks. Not
Strawberries: For annual/short term crops like needed every year.
strawberries, soil testing is usually the only method
used for adjusting nutrient programs. After renovation Tissue Sampling
is recommended for multi-year plantings. Every year at the same time –for blueberries and
floricane raspberries and blackberries this is the last
Soil testing to diagnose problems: Most useful when week in July through the first week in August.
combined with in-field observations, results of annual For analyzing problem situations—take samples from
leaf tissue sampling, and a history of a fertility both healthy and unhealthy areas of the field for
program and other soil/tissue tests. comparing.

Seasonal timing: Fall or spring is common, but it’s RECOMMENDED PROTOCOLS/ COMMENTS FOR TISSUE
very important to be consistent! There can be big TESTING
differences if you test in the spring in one year and
Blueberries-- Collect the most recent, fully-expanded
fall in the another. Don’t test in spring after any
leaf with the petiole attached (leaf stem) only from
fertilization. •
shoots below where fruit is/was located.
Raspberries & Blackberries-- Collect the most recent,
Location of sampling: Between the dripline and base
fully-expanded leaf with the petiole attached (leaf
of the plants & enough to be representative of the
stem) only from the primocanes-- about 12 inches
entire field. Move any mulch aside before collecting a
from the tip.
soil sample.
Cultivars should be sampled separately, as should
any problem areas in the field.
For a concise explanation of the how to take and how
If they are covered with dust, rinse them briefly and
to interpret soil and tissue sampling, use this six page
let them air dry; otherwise do not wash.
guide: Nutrient Management of Berry Crops in Oregon
All blueberry and floricane fruiting caneberry
(2013)
cultivars, regardless of ripening time, should be
sampled in the late-July to early-August window.
Nutrition Resources for Berry Growers Leaf nutrient concentrations naturally change
throughout the season (from spring to autumn) so
Strawberry Nutrient Management Guide Oregon these published standards are NOT applicable if you
and Washington (May, 2019/Oregon State sample tissue outside the late July-early August
University) sampling time.
Nutrient Management for Blueberries in Oregon
(Published: Nov. 2006; Reviewed: June, Other Considerations
2016/Oregon State University) It’s best to pair results of tissue tests with in-field
Caneberries Nutrient Management Guide observations when deciding on whether or not to
(Published: Jan. 2006; Reviewed: July, modify a nutrient management program.
2016/Oregon State University)

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 04
 Blueberry Bud Development

PATR I O T BLUEJAY DUKE DRAP E R TOP S H E LF LIBE R T Y AURO R A LAST C A LL

WEEK 33 8/05/22
WEEK 33 - 2021

HARVEST STARTED FOR THIS PERIOD

WEEK 33- 2020

HARVEST STARTED FOR THIS PERIOD

WEEK 33- 2019

HARVEST STARTED FOR THIS PERIOD

PATR I O T BLUEJAY DUKE DRAP E R TOP S H E LF LIBE R T Y AURO R A LAST C A LL

Industry News

Brought to you by
Our Team is here to guide you through your every need from crop and planting to soil
balance or harvest and winterization

PODCASTS OF THE INDUSTRY

The Business of Blueberries: A podcast from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council hosted by
Kasey Cronquist and Rod Cook.
COOPERATIVES AND GROWER PROFITABILITY WITH BRAD MOORER OF MBG
MARKETING

PolliNation: A podcast from Oregon State University Extension Service hosted by Dr. Andony
Melathopoulos.
217 - O' SHEA-WHELLER - ARE VARROA RESISTANT BEES READY FOR PRIMETIME WITH
THE POL LINE?

NEWSLETTERS OF THE INDUSTRY

WRRC August 2022 Newsletter

Western IPM Center August Newsletter

Behind The Blue: Behind the Blueberry Experience, Paid QSP Grant Opportunity for Frozen Blueberries, 2021 Annual
Report

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 06
FEATURED LINKS
Berry, tree fruit growers work to protect crops from heat wave (8/2, Capital Press)
Canadian grower adds space to indoor strawberry farm (8/9, Fresh Plaza)
Tech helps growers produce better blueberries (8/8, Fruit Grower News)
Robotic strawberry harvesters take to the fields (8/5, Capital Press)

ENVIRONMENT
OSU course on farm wildfire plans available
READ MORE
(8/6, Capital Press)

MARKET/SALES
Inflation hits organic fresh produce in Q2
READ MORE
(8/9, Fresh Plaza)

Blueberry promotions likely to come on this month

READ MORE
(8/8, Fresh Plaza)

BREEDING
New honeyberry/haskap superfruit announced: Honey Champion
READ MORE
(8/8, Fresh Plaza)

UC-Davis researchers find strawberry genes to fight Fusarium wilt

READ MORE
(8/1, Capital Press)

INTERNATIONAL
The Peruvian blueberry campaign is well on track
READ MORE
(8/9, Fresh Plaza)

Hot, dry conditions affected summer fruit harvest in Poland

READ MORE
(8/9, Fresh Plaza)

Covered cultivation extends soft fruit season

READ MORE
(8/8, Fresh Plaza)

NORTH AMERICA
Naturipe expects big volume of Mighty Blues jumbo blueberry
READ MORE
(8/8, Fruit Grower News)

Market Report
READ MORE
(8/3, Seashore Fruit and Produce)

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 07
 August Crop Management for Week 33

Post harvest is approaching in many varieties. Prepare for soil and/or leaf sampling to be completed.
From Lisa Wasco DeVetter, WSU: “As we find ourselves at the midpoint of July, we are starting to
think ahead about leaf tissue testing. For caneberry and blueberry, tissue testing between late July
and early August is recommended. This is also a good time to sample June-bearing strawberry. For
day neutrals, sample leaves in July or August if planted in May or June. If fall planted, collect day-
neutral leaves the following year when the planting is fruiting.”

Pesticide and MRL Resources:

Washington Blueberry
Oregon Blueberry
Blueberry MRLs
Oregon Caneberry
Oregon Strawberry
Caneberry MRLs

View on NBF website

Breeding plot harvest. July, 2022. Photo by Abby C Gearing

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 08
All Crops
Monitor for Spotted Wing Drosophila
Follow Heat Stress Rules in your region. Here is an example of worker heat rules that just took affect a few
months ago in Oregon.

Blueberries
Monitor for rot symptoms: Green Berry Botrytis and Anthracnose favor cool, wet weather patterns.
Scout for leafroller larvae feeding.
Scout for Scorch and Shock virus symptoms
Scout for Mummy Berry blueberries for future season management. No management is effective for the
remainder of this season.
Continue for aphid control where scorch virus transmission is an issue.
Azalea Bark Scale. This scale's telltale bright white egg sacs on the lower branches of infested plants
should be close to spreading now.
Leaf and soil nutrient sampling.

Blackberries
Scout for Rose Stem Girdler ‘galls’ on primocanes.
Scout for Purple Blotch lesions in Marion berries to assess field disease levels for later treatments.
Scout for Botrytis on fruit.
Monitor for Red Berry Mite and apply preventative horticulture oils on green fruit for late season blackberry
varieties.

Raspberries
Scout for mites: Two Spotted mites
Monitor leaves for Yellow Rust. Uredinia stage is the main management stage.
Scout for Botrytis on fruit.
Scout for leafroller larvae feeding.
Nutrient sample near post harvest.

Strawberries
Soil sample post harvest June bearers.
Monitor for weevil adults.
Monitor for Strawberry Crown Moth flight.
Day Neutral: Scout fruit symptoms of Powdery Mildew.
Day Neutral: Monitor bloom/plants for Lygus Bug and monkey faced berries.
Day Neutral: Thrips monitoring on bloom.
Day Neutral: Two-spotted Spider mite monitoring.

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 09
 Small Fruit
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Industry Calendar

AUGUST 2022

16-17 NASGA Summer Tour

2022 SUMMER TOUR IN ONTARIO CANADA! REGISTER HERE

SEPTEMBER 2022

07 Washington Red Raspberry Commission Meeting 1pm

LYNDEN, WA. FOR ZOOM IN OPTIONS, EMAIL HENRY BEIRLINK.

OCTOBER 2022

5-7 The Blueberry Summit

REGISTER HERE

Washington Red Raspberry Commission Meeting 1pm

26
LYNDEN, WA. FOR ZOOM IN OPTIONS, EMAIL HENRY BEIRLINK.

Washington Blueberry Commission Meeting. Details TBA

26 ZOOM DETAILS TBA. FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL ALAN SCHREIBER.

NOVEMBER 2022
NCSFR Conference
14-16
TRI-CITIES, WA. HOTEL BLOCK INFORMATION HERE

WA Small Fruit Conference

29-30
8 AM – 5 PM. NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIRGROUND1775 FRONT ST, LYNDEN, WA 98264. REGISTER HERE

Washington Red Raspberry Commission Annual Meeting. Details TBA.

30
LYNDEN, WA. FOR ZOOM IN OPTIONS, EMAIL HENRY BEIRLINK.

NWBERRYFOUNDATION.ORG PAGE 11
 THE SMALL FRUIT UPDATE
WEEK 33 | AUGUST 10, 2022

The Small Fruit Update is published by the Northwest Berry Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our mission is to support
the northwest small fruit industry through education, research and information access. The SFU is made possible through the
generosity of our sponsors and readers like you. Donate today, and together we can help our berry growing community thrive.

Thank you for your support!

DONATE NOW

Abby Gearing,
This is the sole industry publication, SFU Designer & Editor
gathering grower and producer news, and [email protected]
regional field reports to unite, stabilize, and
strengthen the Northwest berry growing Elisa Ford,
NBF Co-Director
region (Canada and US).
[email protected]

Production is independent of government

Julie Pond,
and commercial control and made possible NBF Co-Director & Editor
by the following commission & councils. [email protected]

For more information or requests please Tom Peerbolt,

contact: [email protected] Director At-Large, Chief Editor Emeritus
[email protected].