ABSTRACT
Natural infestations of blueberry gall midge (Dasineura oxycoccana Johnson) on blueberries were studied in Florida and southeastern Georgia for three flowering seasons (1992–1994). If high populations of adult midges were present when the flower buds were beginning to expand, many rabbiteye cultivars suffered 50% to 100% crop loss. In southeast Georgia, adult midge populations normally remained low through the period when flower buds were most susceptible to damage, probably because of cool winter temperatures. From Gainesville south in Florida, midge populations were normally high at the time blueberry flower buds passed through the vulnerable stages from January through early April. Rabbiteye cultivars varied greatly in susceptibility of the flower buds to the midge. ‘Premier’ and ‘Windy’ were highly susceptible. ‘Powderblue’ and ‘Brightwell’ were highly resistant. Flower buds of most southern highbush cultivars were highly resistant. Sprouting blueberry vegetative buds were also infested and killed by the midge. On highly susceptible rabbiteye cultivars in Florida, this greatly delayed full foliation in the spring. In north Florida, the midges appeared to undergo multiple generations between early January and early June, and then to make no new bud infestations until the following winter. [Article copies available from The Haworth Document Delivery Serivce: 1–800–342–9678.]
