The Michigan blueberry industry is rightfully concerned about the near-term future following the discovery of bushes infected by two different viruses in three different locations. In Michigan, blueberries are a $124 million per year industry.One of the outbreaks actually occurred at the agricultural research station in southwestern Michigan that is part of Michigan State University. According to the recently posted Associated Press story on the viruses, scientists are having to destroy blueberry plants that “represent two decades and millions of dollars of research.”
According to Annemiek Shilder, an associate professor of plant pathology and blueberry researcher, research looks to be put on hold for years so that new plants can mature. However, this is better than the alternative of having the virus spread across Michigan and wipe out the industry.
As David Goodman reports for the AP, the virus called Blueberry shock is spread by bees carrying “infected pollen.” The bees are believed to have originated in the Pacific Northwest. The virus “causes sudden death to flowers and leaves, although new ones can grow.”
In addition to the shock, blueberry scorch has been found on two southwestern Michigan farms. This virus is common on the North American coasts and is spread by aphids. Its symptoms resemble blueberry shock.
There are no known treatments for the viruses. At this point there is no indication the viruses have spread beyond the three locations. However, the Michigan Department of Agriculture points out that the threat still exists for 19,000 acres of blueberries statewide. Currently, the department is trying to trace back the sources of the two diseases. Right now there is a quarantine on “untested blueberry plants from Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and other infected areas.”
As the Associated Press reports, Michigan is the number one producer of blueberries nationwide with “110 million pounds harvested last year” alone. The North American Blueberry Council thinks this will be a good year for the blueberry industry across the country. Since blueberry shock only spreads during the bee pollinating season in the spring, Michigan State scientist have until next spring to learn all they can about the disease before it becomes necessary to destroy their plants for fear of spreading the virus.
To read the Associated Press story click here.
Posted: 08/31/09
