ABSTRACT
Within wild blueberry fields in Nova Scotia, stem gall numbers appear to be increasing possibly due to changes in management strategies (MacKenzie, unpublished data). While growers are concerned that high levels of stem galls may reduce crop yields, the biggest problem with galls is that they have been found to contaminate both fresh and processed product. Even though concerns have been raised about gall populations, no control tactics have been developed for this insect (Crozier, 1997). Lowbush blueberry crop management involves a two-year cropping cycle. After harvest the fields are pruned by either mowing or burning to encourage vegetative growth the following year (Mclsaac, 1997). While it has been suggested that pruning may reduce the numbers of stem galls by affecting blueberry stem gall wasp survival (Crozier, 1997), the issue has never been scientifically examined. This study was set up to determine if pruning reduces the survival of wasps inhabiting blueberry stem galls.
