Dormant Sprays for Disease Control in Blueberries
When it comes to protecting your blueberry crop, the season’s success often starts before the first bud breaks. Dormant sprays are a grower’s first line of defense against canker diseases, twig blight, and fruit rot — helping ensure a cleaner start, stronger growth, and higher yields.
At Magna-Bon, we’ve developed solutions that bring research-proven performance together with environmental responsibility. Our OMRI-Listed Magna-Bon CS 2005 delivers systemic protection with one of the lowest metallic copper use rates in the industry — giving growers powerful results without compromising sustainability.
Proven Protection with Magna-Bon CS 2005
For growers targeting Anthracnose, Bacterial Canker, Fruit Rot, or Twig Blight, CS 2005 provides consistent, broad-spectrum control while remaining gentle on crops and the environment.
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Anthracnose or Bacterial Canker:
Apply 33–51.2 oz per 100 gallons of water (≈125–200 ppm copper). Make the first application before fall rains and repeat four weeks later. -
Fruit Rot and Phomopsis Twig Blight:
Apply 25.6–51.2 oz per 100 gallons of water (≈100–200 ppm copper). Begin applications as buds swell and repeat every 10–14 days as needed prior to bloom.
With ultra-low copper rates and highly bioavailable copper ions, Magna-Bon CS 2005 delivers more protection with less product — maximizing efficiency and ROI.
Why Dormant Sprays Matter
In regions like southwestern Michigan, mild winters allow fungal and bacterial pathogens to survive on canes and mummified fruit. Once spring rains arrive, these pathogens spread quickly — infecting young shoots and buds. Dormant sprays help eliminate overwintering disease inoculum, setting the stage for a healthier, more productive season.
When used early, products like Magna-Bon CS 2005 disrupt the disease cycle before infection can begin, significantly lowering disease pressure and improving overall plant health through bloom and harvest.
Backed by Research and Real-World Results
Michigan State University research shows that dormant applications can cut twig blight (Phomopsis) by up to half — and similar results were seen for anthracnose and Botrytis fruit rot. Early-season treatments also helped suppress mummy berry infections by preventing spore germination.
These results prove what many growers already know: a proactive disease-management program pays off. By starting with a high-performance dormant spray, you can safeguard your investment and minimize costly in-season losses.
A) Cane canker caused by Colletotrichum acutatum with acervuli in concentric circles around leaf scar. B) Spore masses on a blueberry twig. C) Spore masses on old fruit spurs. D) Spore masses on flower bud scales. Photo by Tim Miles, MSU.
Best Practices for Success
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Apply before bud break or at early bud swell stages for optimal coverage.
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Use higher rates under heavy disease pressure or following mild winters.
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Follow all label directions and test small blocks when using a new product or rate.
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Pair with good sanitation and pruning practices to further reduce overwintering inoculum.
The Magna-Bon Advantage
🌿 OMRI-Listed for organic use
⚙️ Systemic copper protection — moves within the plant for long-lasting defense
💧 Ultra-low metallic copper rates — environmentally responsible and cost-efficient
🧪 Proven by research — trusted by universities and growers nationwide
Build a Healthier Start This Season
A clean start leads to a stronger finish. Incorporate Magna-Bon CS 2005 into your dormant spray program this season to help your blueberries thrive — from dormancy through harvest.
Here is the link to the article on MSU website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dormant_sprays_for_disease_control_in_blueberries