Michigan Information on Blueberry Bushes

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Overview

Blueberry bushes are perennial flowering plants of the Vaccinium genus. Blueberries are one of the few fruit plants indigenous to North America. Gardeners in Michigan typically grow highbush blueberries, which are most suitable for the cooler climate.

Varieties

Michigan gardeners typically plant the Bluecrop, Drake and Elliot highbush varieties. Other popular blueberry bushes include Rubel, Bluejay and Jersey.

Characteristics

Highbush blueberry varieties typically bear medium to large light-blue fruit. These hardy varieties are typically upright bushes that need moderate pruning.

Fungal Diseases

Michigan blueberry bushes are susceptible to several fungal diseases, particularly mummyberry (Monilinia vacinii-corymbosi) and fusicoccum canker (Godronia cassandrae). Symptoms include blighted shoots and brown-purple elliptical lesions forming on the stems.

Other Diseases

Blueberry bushes in Michigan are susceptible to crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens), shoestring disease, blueberry leaf mottle and mosaic disease. The most common pest is the dagger nematode (Xiphinema americanum).

Fun Fact

Blueberry fruits contain natural antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C. These antioxidants protect the human body from free radicals and prevent diseases linked with the aging process.

References

Michigan State University Extension: Blueberry Diseases in Michigan
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station: Blueberry Varieties for Michigan
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council: Blueberries for Health

Who Can Help

Michigan State University Extension: Hints on Growing Blueberries

Keywords: Michigan blueberry bushes, blueberry bushes for Michigan, Michigan blueberry bush facts

About this Author

Cat Carson has been a writer, editor and researcher for the past decade. She has professional experience in a variety of media, including the Internet, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. Her work has appeared on websites like eHow.com and GardenGuides.com, among others. Carson holds a master’s degrees in writing and cultural anthropology, and is currently working on her doctoral degree in psychology.