Do blueberries have insect and disease problems?

Question:

Do blueberries have insect and disease problems?

Answer:

Phytophthora root rot can be a serious problem in poorly drained sites.  Phytophthora root rot can be avoided by planting blueberries in well-drained soils.  Outside of root rots, blueberries generally have few insect and disease problems in Iowa. 

Birds can be a problem as they may devour much of the crop.  While scare devices may be helpful, netting is the most effective way to protect the fruit from birds.  Netting should be placed over the plants when the fruit begin to turn color.  Hang the netting over some type of support structure with the bottom edges of the netting buried or anchored to the ground.