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Blueberry question: some leaves turning russet/reddish

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Posted by willbachman Pennsylvania (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 25, 14 at 10:17

I am a relatively novice blueberry grower - I planted 14 blueberry plants over the last 2-3 years. Some are thriving, with nice dark green leaves.

On some of the other plants, some of the leaves are turning a russet or reddish color. I am guessing this is some type of nutrient deficiency, but don't know what I should add. (See photo).

Notes:
I've already added Espoma Soil Acidifer, thinking that the reddish leaves might be caused by soil that is too basic. The plants are in soil that is heavy clay, but when I planted them I dug out a bushel of soil and replaced it with a mix of compost and topsoil.

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RE: Blueberry question: some leaves turning russet/reddish

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  • Posted by Drew51 5b/6a SE MI (My Page) on
    Mon, Aug 25, 14 at 11:17

What's the PH? It looks like it could be a fungus, but unsure? Leaves do turn when in trouble. Espoma Soil Acidifier takes at least 6 months to work. If PH is high and the plant is struggling it is susceptible to disease. It could be a nutrient deficiency, if so, it's from high PH. First thing is get that PH right. About 4.5 would be good. Once there, you can tell better. A quick fix would be to add vinegar, even better and permanent would be sulfuric acid. I use battery acid to amend my water.

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RE: Blueberry question: some leaves turning russet/reddish

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That looks like early fall color, which generally indicates stress, pH could be one. Usually pH manifests as yellowish (chlorotic) leaves, but it might be borderline, enough to stress the plant but not cause outright chlorosis.

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RE: Blueberry question: some leaves turning russet/reddish

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  • Posted by Drew51 5b/6a SE MI (My Page) on
    Mon, Aug 25, 14 at 20:54

Red is a lot more common. But it is different from above, the spots is concerning. I guess some cultivars might go yellow. The good news is most leaf spot problems are so minor, they are usually not treated.
I myself would never try to grow them in clay. I have clay, I built raised beds. 4 of my plants are in pots. I will eventually put them in the ground, but I plan on moving, so pots it is.

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