Phytophthora Root Rot of Blueberry Increases with Frequency of Flooding

Abstract

Phytophthora root rot is a severe disease on blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in poorly drained soils. Little is known about how mulching and frequent waterlogging affect disease severity in blueberries. Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands was grown on rice hulls, which were incorporated into the soil at the rate of 10% (v:v). Waterlogging conditions were imposed for 48 hours 1 week after planting on mulched and nonmulched blueberry plants at weekly, biweekly, and monthly intervals for a total of 3 months. Control plants were not subjected to flooding. The severity of Phytophthora root rot increased with time. Significant linear relationships were found between flooding interval and disease severity rating of shoot, percentage of root infection, and shoot and root dry weights of plants. Disease symptoms were minimal in control plants, but shoot disease rating and percentage of root infection were high in mulched and nonmulched plants that were flooded every week. Shoot and root dry weights were higher in 1997 than in 1996. In 1996, mulched plants had higher shoot dry weights than did nonmulched plants. Disease incidence was higher with weekly and biweekly flooding than with monthly or no flooding. However, mulching did not affect root infection.