[3] The blueberry shoestring virus disease can be managed by eliminating the aphid vector through the use of biological, chemical or cultural controls.

The highbush host cultivars include Blueray, Burlington, Coville, Earliblue, Elliot, Jersey, June, Rancocas, Rubel and Weymouth.

The flowers of infected blueberry plants may have a pink tinge or reddish streaks on the petals.

Adult blueberry aphids have a light green thorax and abdomen with darker legs and antennae.

The cornicles, a distinguishing feature of aphids, are located towards the rear of the body and contain a dark brown tip.

In the fall, the male and female aphids mate and the eggs are laid on buds on the new plant growth where they overwinter until the spring.

The viral particles can be transmitted to healthy plants through aphid saliva for up to 10 days after feeding on an infected plant and it has been found that aphid hemolymph (blood-like fluid) contains virus particles, which indicates that the virus circulates within the insect.

Aphid colonies reproduce most quickly on fast-growing young shoots so it is important to avoid over fertilization.

[8] The spread of the pathogen towards the south is limited because the vector, I. pepperi, is not found in warm regions since the optimal temperature for blueberry aphid eggs to hatch is around 38 °F [3.3 °C].

For chemical management of the disease, optimal aphid control insecticides are Provado, Actara or Assail.

This virus has been detected in northeastern and upper Midwest states such as Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Washington.

Once a virus is introduced to a new area it can cost growers tens of millions of dollars to eradicate the viral pathogen.