Leaf Issues

Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow starting from older foliage, may show interveinal chlorosis (yellow between green veins), progressing upward if untreated Common Causes:

• Iron deficiency due to alkaline soil (pH above 6.5)
• Nitrogen deficiency in early spring
• Overwatering causing poor oxygen availability to roots

Solutions:

• Test soil pH and acidify if needed using sulfur or aluminum sulfate
• Apply acidic fertilizer formulated for blueberries (4-3-6 ratio)
• Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency

Prevention: Maintain soil pH between 4.5-5.5, use rainwater when possible, mulch with pine needles or sawdust

Brown/Crispy Leaves

Symptoms: Leaf margins turn brown and crispy, leaves may curl inward, browning spreads from tips toward center Common Causes:

• Salt buildup from fertilizer or hard water
• Winter wind damage or frost injury
• Drought stress during hot weather

Solutions:

• Flush soil with soft water to remove salt buildup
• Protect from winter winds with burlap screens
• Deep water during dry periods, maintain consistent moisture

Prevention: Use low-salt fertilizers, provide winter protection, install drip irrigation for consistent moisture

Drooping/Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves hang limply despite moist soil, may recover temporarily in evening, new growth especially affected Common Causes:

• Root damage from overwatering or disease
• Heat stress during temperatures above 85°F
• Transplant shock in newly planted bushes

Solutions:

• Check roots for rot, prune damaged areas and replant in fresh soil
• Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat
• Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

Prevention: Plant in well-draining acidic soil, mulch heavily to keep roots cool, establish plants gradually

Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Premature leaf drop before fall, leaves may yellow or redden before falling, affects overall vigor Common Causes:

• Natural stress response to drought or overwatering
• Fungal diseases like anthracnose or mummy berry
• Nutrient deficiencies, especially magnesium

Solutions:

• Adjust watering to maintain even moisture
• Remove and destroy fallen leaves, apply fungicide if disease confirmed
• Apply Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) as foliar spray

Prevention: Maintain consistent moisture, practice good sanitation, annual soil testing and amendment

Growth Issues

Stunted Growth

Symptoms: Little to no new growth, small leaves, poor fruit production, overall plant appears undersized Common Causes:

• Improper soil pH restricting nutrient uptake
• Competition from weeds or grass
• Insufficient chill hours for variety

Solutions:

• Test and adjust soil pH to 4.5-5.5 range
• Remove all vegetation within 3-foot radius, apply thick mulch
• Consider relocating if chill hours insufficient for area

Prevention: Choose appropriate varieties for climate, maintain weed-free zone, annual pH testing

Leggy/Stretching Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with few leaves, sparse branching, reduced fruit production, open growth habit Common Causes:

• Insufficient light (less than 6 hours direct sun)
• Over-fertilization with nitrogen
• Lack of proper pruning

Solutions:

• Relocate to full sun location or prune overhanging branches
• Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, focus on phosphorus and potassium
• Prune in late winter to encourage bushy growth

Prevention: Plant in full sun, balanced fertilization program, annual dormant pruning

Pest Problems

Spotted Wing Drosophila

Identification: Small flies with spotted wings, larvae are white maggots found inside ripening berries Damage Signs: Soft, leaking berries, premature fruit drop, larvae visible when fruit is broken open Treatment:

• Apply spinosad or pyrethrin sprays during ripening
• Harvest frequently and refrigerate immediately
• Use fine mesh netting to exclude flies Prevention: Remove overripe fruit promptly, maintain good sanitation, monitor with vinegar traps

Japanese Beetles

Identification: Metallic green and copper beetles, 1/2 inch long, feed in groups on foliage Damage Signs: Skeletonized leaves with only veins remaining, reduced photosynthesis and vigor Treatment:

• Hand-pick beetles in early morning when sluggish
• Apply neem oil or pyrethrin for severe infestations
• Use row covers during peak beetle season Prevention: Apply beneficial nematodes to soil for grub control, avoid beetle-attracting plants nearby

Birds

Identification: Various species including robins, starlings, and cedar waxwings targeting ripe fruit Damage Signs: Missing or partially eaten berries, broken clusters, bird droppings on foliage Treatment:

• Install bird netting before berries ripen
• Use reflective tape or scare devices
• Harvest berries promptly when ripe Prevention: Plant extra bushes for wildlife, use permanent netting structures, harvest early morning

Disease Issues

Mummy Berry

Symptoms: Flowers and young shoots wilt and turn brown, berries shrivel and turn gray-pink before falling Causes: Fungal disease overwinters in fallen mummified berries, spreads during wet spring weather Treatment:

• Remove all mummified berries from bush and ground
• Apply fungicide at bud break and during bloom
• Cultivate soil beneath bushes to bury infected berries Prevention: Practice thorough fall cleanup, apply fresh mulch annually, choose resistant varieties

Anthracnose

Symptoms: Dark sunken spots on berries, orange spore masses in wet weather, twig dieback Causes: Fungal infection favored by warm, humid conditions and overhead watering Treatment:

• Prune out infected twigs, sanitize tools between cuts
• Apply copper fungicide during dormant season
• Improve air circulation through pruning Prevention: Water at soil level, maintain open canopy, remove infected material promptly

Root Problems

Root Rot

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves despite moist soil, lack of new growth, plant easily pulls from ground Identification: Roots appear brown or black instead of white, may have foul odor, soil stays wet Treatment:

• Dig up plant, trim all diseased roots with sterile tools
• Replant in raised bed with improved drainage
• Apply beneficial microorganisms to rebuild soil health Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, ensure proper soil pH

Root Bound

Symptoms: Slow growth despite proper care, water runs through pot quickly, roots visible at surface Identification: Circular root growth when removed from container, dense root mass, stunted growth Treatment:

• Transplant to larger container or ground in early spring
• Score root ball vertically to encourage outward growth
• Spread roots horizontally when planting Prevention: Transplant young plants promptly, choose appropriate container size, root prune annually

Environmental Stress

Temperature Shock

Symptoms: Sudden leaf drop, flower abortion, bark splitting on stems, dieback of new growth Causes: Rapid temperature changes, late spring frosts, extreme heat waves, inadequate hardening Treatment: Prune damaged growth after danger passes, apply anti-transpirant spray, provide temporary shade Prevention: Choose cold-hardy varieties, protect with frost cloth, mulch heavily for insulation

Humidity Issues

Low Humidity Symptoms: Leaf edges brown, spider mite infestations, poor fruit set, excessive water needs High Humidity Symptoms: Fungal diseases proliferate, poor pollination, fruit rot increases Solutions: Group plants together, use pebble trays, improve air circulation with fans Prevention: Site selection with good air movement, proper plant spacing, drip irrigation

Light Stress

Too Much Light: Leaf scorch, bleached foliage, reduced fruit quality, heat stress symptoms Too Little Light: Sparse flowering, leggy growth, poor fruit set, increased disease susceptibility Solutions: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates, relocate to sunnier spot if shaded Prevention: Choose appropriate planting site, consider sun patterns through seasons

Quick Diagnostic Guide

Emergency Symptoms

When to Seek Help

• Plant shows no improvement after 2 weeks of treatment
• Multiple problems occurring simultaneously
• Unusual symptoms not matching common issues

Prevention Checklist

• [ ] Test soil pH annually and adjust as needed
• [ ] Mulch with 3-4 inches of acidic organic matter
• [ ] Prune annually during dormant season
• [ ] Monitor for pests weekly during growing season
• [ ] Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering
• [ ] Apply preventive fungicides if disease history exists

Recovery Timeline

Week 1: Remove damaged parts, adjust care routine, apply appropriate treatments Week 2-3: New growth should begin appearing, continue monitoring and care adjustments Month 1+: Full recovery evident with vigorous new growth, resume normal care routine

Remember: Most Blueberry 'Chandler' problems are preventable with proper care. When in doubt, adjust watering first, then light conditions.