Most often overhead sprinklers are used but drip systems could also be used. The advantage of overhead irrigation when compared to drip irrigation is overhead irrigation can be used for frost protection and crop cooling. However, it wastes more water through evaporation and can raise disease levels due to wet foliage. Weed control Weeds are a problem in blueberries because blueberries are long-lived perennial crops. There are no herbicides registered for use on blueberries in Manitoba.
Cultural controls are necessary such as hand weeding.
In wild managed stands, periodic burns or mowing can help to control weeds. Elimination of as many weeds before planting is essential to the long term viability of planted blueberry commercial fields. Insects Blueberries are subject to attack from many different insects. Growers should monitor fields regularly to determine if these insects are present. However, growers should only spray when levels of insects are at threshold levels and economic losses will occur if the insects are not controlled.