Twig Canker

Blueberry twigs develop grey-white cankers with reddish margins and dark fruiting bodies, especially at nodes. Sporocadus lichenicola enters through winter-injured wood. Minimize winter injury through hardening-off practices and site selection. Prune out infected twigs and canes. The disease occurs sporadically in Oregon's Hood River and Willamette valleys.

Tactics that minimize winter or other injury to plants is encouraged. Prune affected branches well below visible symptoms and sterilize tools between cuts. Avoid pruning during wet weather, which spreads the pathogen through fresh wounds. Maintain plant vigor through proper watering and site management.