Blueberry Mummy Berry Disease: Breaking the Cycle

Blueberries turning brown and dropping before ripening for two years? Classic mummy berry—replacing mulch alone isn't enough.

The Disease Cycle

1. Spring: Fungus infects flowers, becomes fragrant, secretes sugars.
2. Insects spread spores to healthy flowers.
3. Fruit develops normally until ripening, then shrivels and drops ("mummies").
4. Mummies overwinter on ground, release spores next spring.

Integrated Management

• Annual mulch replacement (you started this—continue yearly).
• Shallow cultivation before leaf fall to bury mummies.
• Fungicide sprays from budbreak through end of flowering.
• Remove/destroy any mummified fruit seen.

Key Insight

Insects vector the disease during bloom. Spray timing is critical—protect flowers, not fruit.