Associated Press - August 31, 2009 2:04 AM ET
SAUGATUCK TIOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - The bloom could be off Michigan's $124 million per year blueberry industry after two destructive viruses infected bushes in three locations.
Particularly upsetting to scientists is where 1 of the outbreaks occurred -- Michigan State University's agricultural research station in Allegan County's Saugatuck Township, about four miles from Lake Michigan.
An outbreak of blueberry shock is forcing scientists to destroy plants that represent two decades and millions of dollars of research.
It will take years for new plants to mature so research can resume.
Blueberry scorch has been found on two Michigan farms, but so far authorities report no signs of further spread of either disease.
On the Net:
Blueberry shock: http://www.blueberries.msu.edu/shock.htm
Blueberry scorch: http://www.blueberries.msu.edu/scorch.htm
North American Blueberry Council: http://www.blueberry.org
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