Phytophthora Root Rot of Blueberry in Arkansas. R. E. Sterne, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701. Plant Dis. 66:604-605. Accepted for publication 15 December 1981. Copyright 1982 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-604.

Phytophthora root rot of highbush blueberry, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, was found for the first time in Arkansas in 1978 in a commercial blueberry planting in Benton County. Subsequently, 28 other infested fields were identified. Isolates of P. cinnamomi had characteristic mycelial and reproductive structures and were highly pathogenic to blueberry seedlings. In the field, there did not appear to be varietal differences in disease reaction. Planting blueberries in peat and on poorly drained soil may be increasing the disease potential for root rot.

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