Based on reports from the field, bloom may be ahead of green tip on some rabbiteye varieties this year.  Producers are keenly aware that green tip is utilized to initiate the first application of fungicides for mummy berry, but they sometimes forget that flowers will be susceptible if flower bud expansion occurs before green tip.   Developing vegetative (leaf) buds become susceptible to infection when about 1/6th inch of green tissue is exposed (green tip). Flower buds become susceptible when the bud scales begin to separate.  Either of these situations, whichever comes first, should be utilized to initiate mummy berry applications.  Temperature and moisture conditions are highly conducive for mummy berry infections this year, so an early missed application could allow significant damage.

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