Redcurrant - diseases and pests, their control

Despite the fact that the taste of black and red currants is quite different, they belong to the same species and genus, and have similar diseases, and methods of dealing with them do not differ. Pests of red currant are almost the same as those of black currant.

Diseases of red currant and their control

Photo: The manifestation of fungal diseases of red currant on the leaves

Fungi can become the cause of diseases of redcurrant bushes, just like blackcurrants. This plant suffers greatly from anthracnose disease and, to a much lesser extent, from powdery mildew. Only some varieties of red currant, for example, Varshevich, are susceptible to this disease of redcurrant bites, and even then, subject to frequent rains. But from the disease of septoria - white spotting, which is caused by a fungus, red currant bushes very often suffer. The onset of red currant disease most often occurs in May. At the same time, spots of arbitrary configuration appear on the foliage of the plant, bordered by a brown stripe. Over time they become white. In their middle, you can see black dots - spores of the fungus. If appropriate measures to combat currant disease are not taken in time, then gradually the spots spread to the entire surface of the leaf, and it falls off. Septoria disease affects currant berries, which at the beginning of the disease are covered with small brown spots, as well as shoots. They are exposed to the fungus at the points where the leaf petioles are attached to them.

Diseases of the fungus are not afraid of the winter cold, it easily tolerates them, remaining in the fallen leaves and parts of the plant affected by it. White spotting most often occurs with insufficient care for plantings and during prolonged rains. In addition to fungi, red currant diseases can be caused by various pests on red currants.

Red currant disease - terry

Photo: The manifestation of redcurrant disease is terry on the leaves

The pest is a bud mite, which is a carrier of the pathogen that causes such a tasty red currant disease as terry. It manifests itself in the presence of a large number of shoots with leaves that differ in shape from the traditional ones. And instead of simple redcurrant inflorescences, this disease contributes to the appearance of double purple flowers.

In order to avoid the appearance of redcurrant terry disease, it is necessary to purchase seedlings of this plant only from well-known manufacturers, and give preference to varieties that are slightly susceptible to this disease. Regular inspection of red currant plantations will quickly identify a diseased bush, and stop the further spread of the disease.

Red currant disease - bacteriosis

Photo: Manifestation of bacteriosis disease on redcurrant leaves

This is a currant disease that affects seedlings of fruits and plants. When a disease occurs, red currant leaves become covered with bright brown spots. In order to avoid the appearance of this defect, it is necessary to get rid of diseased fruits and treat the plants with 0.25% cineb. Bordeaux liquid is also perfect for treating redcurrant bushes with such a disease.

Pests of red currant and their control

Red currant pest - spider mite

If the plant is damaged by the spider mite pest, then there is a decrease in winter hardiness and yield. This pest lives in winter mainly under those leaves that have fallen or in the upper soil layer. At the moment when the buds open, the mite climbs onto the plant and gradually spoils the leaves. He lays his eggs at the bottom of the leaf. The oviposition and the emerging greenish larvae are clearly visible in a magnifying glass.

Often, the reproduction of the mite pest in the first generation occurs on weeds. After some time, he begins to move to garden plants. In order for the spider mite to reproduce well, hot and dry weather is necessary. The mass development of the pest is often scheduled for August and July. Already closer to autumn, females begin to leave for the winter.

Photo: Spider mite on red currant

Methods for treating a spider mite pest on red currant

In the spring, at the moment when the buds begin to bloom until the female has laid eggs, the plant should be sprayed with acaricides: acartan, antio, zolon, karbofos, metaphos, vofatox, colloidal sulfur, tedion, phosphamide, cidal, etc. At the same time, do not forget that improper use of the drug causes burns of the red currant plant. Moreover, if you use them to treat currants, then it will be much more effective than, for example, gooseberries. When processing, it is recommended to periodically alternate drugs. If you use the same ones, then immunity occurs in the tick pest.

When the redcurrant plant is already very badly damaged by the pest, it is recommended to re-spray. For example, this can be done before the currant blooms. Also, additional spraying should be done when the leaves turn yellow and curl.

In order for the efficiency to increase slightly, acaricides should be added and mixed in chlorophos. This helps a lot in the fight against pests that gnaw on the sheets. This mixture perfectly kills them after the plant has bloomed.

Red currant pest - leaf gall aphid

Photo: Leaf aphid on red currant

The leaf gall aphid damages the leaves of the red currant in such a way that a red swelling appears on its outer surface. If you do not intervene during the currant disease, then the currant foliage dries up and begins to fall off before the deadline. The impact of the aphid pest leads to a decrease in the yield of berries.

Red currant pest - yellow sawfly

Photo: Yellow sawfly on red currant

The yellow gooseberry sawfly pest also causes damage to red currant plantations, because it eats the leaves of this shrub.

Pest of red currant - glass case

Photo: Glass case on red currant

The currant glass-case lays its eggs in the cracks of the currant bark. Caterpillars hatched from them penetrate inside the shoot and eat away the middle.

Red currant pest - blackberry mite

Photo: Blackberry mite on red currant

The pest is an insect that has two pairs of legs. Moreover, it spreads with the help of wind currents, as well as with some insects or initially infected planting material. When this currant pest grows up, it moves to the underside of the leaves and begins to suck juice from it. During this process, they release enzymes. Due to this, galls are formed on the leaves (small bulges that have a yellow or reddish color). Moreover, during the season, this pest can form several generations. It tolerates winter very well, located under the bark or at the base of the kidneys. In order to get rid of the pest mite, several treatments are necessary. To begin with, the first spraying is done, and the second after harvesting.

Red currant pests - goldfish

Photo: Red currant pest - goldfish

This is an insect that has a flat body shape. It often just lays its eggs on the bark and shoots. When the larvae appear from them, damage to the shoots occurs. This is due to the fact that the larva begins to gnaw them out, and the passages are clogged with brownish flour. After some time, they go deep into the wood. When the pest damages the shoots, they wither and dry out. This whole process takes place in early spring. Hatching of larvae begins around the beginning of May and lasts about three months. When the goldfish grow up, it begins to feed on the leaves. If you want to get rid of it, then only shaking will be the most effective method of fighting. This must be done in the morning, while the beetles are not yet flying.

Control of diseases and pests of red currant: Video

Diseases and pests of red currants can destroy your crop if you miss their appearance and do not treat them.