Blueberry Facts

Phytophthora root rot
Phytophthora cinnamomi (fungus-like organism)
Annemiek Schilder, MSU Plant Pathology
Bill Cline, NCSU Plant Pathology

	Phytophthora root rot may occur at poorly drained sites or in low areas of fields. Symptoms Early symptoms are yellowing or reddening of leaves and lack of new growth, followed by leaf drop. Below-ground symptoms vary from slight necrosis of young rootlets to extensive necrosis that turns crowns and main roots reddish brown. Bushes may die eventually.
Premature leaf coloring and defoliation caused by root rot.

Disease cycle
The pathogen lives in the soil and produces swimming spores that infect the roots. Hardy chlamydospores (the primary over-wintering structures) are released into the soil as the affected roots break down. Abundant soil moisture and temperatures between 68 and 90ºF (20 to 32ºC) promote disease development.

Management
Either avoid planting in poorly drained sites or improve drainage; grow rooted cuttings or nursery plants on raised beds; avoid over irrigating when soil temperatures are high; use effective fungides (will not cure severely diseased plants).

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