Protecting the Crop: Managing Blueberry Disease With Tim Miles, Ph.D.

Protecting the Crop: Managing Blueberry Disease With Tim Miles, Ph.D.

From The Business of Blueberries by U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

February 9, 2026 · 40 min · Season 1 · Episode 227

About this episode

This episode features Kasey Cronquist interviewing Tim Miles, Ph.D. about managing blueberry diseases and the importance of plant pathology.

In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” Kasey Cronquist , president of the U.S. Highbush Council ( USHBC ) and the North American Blueberry Council ( NABC ), is joined by Tim Miles, Ph.D ., an associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University, where he leads the Small Fruit and Hop Pathology Program. Miles’ research focuses on the diagnosis, epidemiology and management of diseases affecting small fruit crops, with particular emphasis on blueberries and hops. He works closely with growers and industry partners to develop practical, science-based solutions that improve crop health, sustainability and productivity. “ That's probably the most impactful or rewarding thing at the end of the day, is actually diagnosing what someone has in their field and then delivering sound, science-based management recommendations to help manage that disease.” – Tim Miles, Ph.D. Topics covered include: An introduction to Miles and his work. The process and threat posed by fungicide resistance, as well as practices and options producers can use to avoid its persistence. The value of identifying specific plant pathology to target best…

People in this episode

Host: Kasey Cronquist

Guest: Tim Miles, Ph.D.

Topics covered

  • blueberry disease management
  • fungicide resistance
  • plant pathology
  • crop health
  • sustainability
  • productivity

Keywords

  • blueberries
  • disease management
  • fungicide resistance
  • crop report
  • plant pathology
  • sustainability
  • productivity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, North American Blueberry Council, Michigan State University, Small Fruit and Hop Pathology Program

Places: Florida, Georgia, Peru, Oregon, Washington

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