Blueberry Shock Disease

Abstract

Blueberry shock disease, caused by Blueberry shock virus (BlShV), threatens profitable and sustainable blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) production. The disease has recently emerged in New York, having been confirmed in 2011. Because it is transmitted by pollen and readily dispersed by bees and other pollinators, it is difficult to control. Blueberry shock gets its name because plants are ‘shocked’ by the initial infection and suffer flower and leaf blight and dieback. But the affected shoots regrow, leaving plants barren of fruit. After one to two years, infected plants may recover and regain fruit production, but their pollen will continue to spread the virus to other blueberries which confounds efforts to rogue and remove infected plants to control the disease.