Cover of tip sheet

Bulletin E3443
Michigan Blueberry Facts: Biology and Management of Stem Gall Wasp in Highbush Blueberries

DOWNLOAD

May 11, 2020 - Rufus Isaacs<isaacsr@msu.edu>, Philip Fanning, Steve Van Timmeren<vantimm2@msu.edu>, Jacquelyn Perkins<albertj9@msu.edu> and Carlos Garcia-Salazar<garcias4@msu.edu>

Key points

  • Some highbush blueberry cultivars are susceptible to blueberry stem gall wasp, others are highly resistant.
  • Gall wasp populations are suppressed by natural enemies, but many of these insects are disrupted by current pest management practices.
  • Pruning off galls during the dormant season is critical for preventing spread of infestations.
  • Effective insecticides applied after bloom can reduce gall size and gall density.

Introduction

Blueberry stem gall wasp, Hemadas nubilipennis, is an insect pest that attacks highbush and lowbush blueberries. This species can be found on wild blueberries growing in natural areas, but it has historically been only an occasional pest of commercial blueberry fields. More recently, stem gall wasp has become a significant pest in some regions of commercial blueberry production. To help growers manage this insect, we have prepared this summary of its biology and management based on recent research.

DOWNLOAD FILE

Authors

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • blueberries,
  • blueberry,
  • blueberry stem gall wasp,
  • fruit & nuts,
  • integrated pest management,
  • michigan blueberry facts,
  • msu extension
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).