KBGA Blueberry Spray Schedule
The following information is merely what has worked well in the past for KBGA members.
This is a general guideline to help you determine the best spray program for your blueberry bushes.
Be sure to always follow any instruction labels on all chemical labels. The label is the LAW.
You should always take the required safety measures when dealing with chemicals. Read the material safety
data sheets.
Be sure to check re-entry times and the number of days between spray and harvesting. Never exceed the recommended
concentration of any spray on your bushes. Also not all products are registered for use in every state, please
check with your local Department of Agriculture. Make sure to read fully all labels on the chemical and follow all instructions.
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Step one: Fungicide
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What to use: Captan, Ziram, or Benlate
When to apply: Early Green Tip. Leaf buds are showing 1/16" to 1/4", bright green
How: With a sprayer to wet the plant with the spray
Reason: To control fungus from attacking the flowers
How Often: Every 7 to 10 days until 90 to 100% of flower petals drop off
NOTE: During this time you will begin to see the pink bud stage and the flowers will begin to open.
Continue spraying every 7 to 10 days until over 90% petal drop. DO NOT spray any insect spray
at this stage because you do not want to kill your bees.
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Step Two: Insecticide
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What to use: Malathion, or Liquid seven
When to apply: at 90% to 100% petal drop
How: With a sprayer to wet the plant with the spray
Reason: Target insects: Plum Curculio, Leaf eating insects, blueberry tip borer, cherry fruit worm, and cranberry worm
How Often: Every 7 to 10 days until harvest is complete
NOTE: If Japanese beetles become a problem, substitute liquid seven for the Malathion for one or more sprays. Liquid seven is much better at controlling the beetles.
After the harvest is complete stop spraying unless you see a major problem. Sometimes caterpillars will become a problem in the late summer early fall. If
you detect insects doing damage you should probably spray.
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You may see an insect or disease that may need additional attention. In that case you should check with your local
extension office, IK, or give the KBGA a call and we will do our best to assist you. You should also obtain a copy of
ID-94, Midwest commercial small fruit and grape spray guide. It is a booklet printed by UK and should be available thru
your local extension office.
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