Blueberries

The pests affecting blueberry crops will vary between protected and open field growing, and from northern to southern climate zones. Control techniques will also vary depending on crop conditions.

Blueberries have fewer pest problems than most other fruits but these pests can be highly specific. The blueberry aphid Illinoia pepperi transmits the Blueberry Shoestring Virus so control of the aphids needs to aim to prevent spread of the virus via the aphids.

Note that some beneficial mites or insects may require licences or permits for use in some countries, and that some of the species listed below may not therefore be available.

 

Pest

English name

Beneficial species

Macrosiphum euphorbiae

Illinoia pepperi

 

Potato Aphid

Blueberry Aphid

 

Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Adalia bipunctata

Chrysoperla carnea

Aphis gossypii

and other small aphids

 

 Peach-Potato Aphid

 

Aphidius colemani

Aphidius matricariae

plus predators as above

 

Tetranychus urticae

Red Spider-mite or

Two-spot Spider-mite

Phytoseiulus persimilis

Amblyseius andersoni

Feltiella acarisuga

Amblyseius californicus

 

Lepidoptera e.g.

Acrobasis vaccinii

Grapholitha packardi

Caterpillars

Cranberry Fruitworm

Cherry Fruitworm

 

Trichogramma brassicae

Bacillus thuringiensis

Otiorhyncus sulcatus

Vine Weevil

 

Steinernema kraussei

Heterohabditis megidis

 

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Download the print-friendly version of the technical sheet below.

 Blueberries.pdf