How to treat raspberries against pests in spring

Gardeners' spring chores include numerous activities, including preventative treatment of raspberries against infections and pests. After winter, when warmer weather returns, sap begins to flow in the shoots, making this period favorable for pruning and spraying raspberry patches with specialized preparations.

Biological agents

Drugs in this group contain living bioagents or the metabolic products of these agents. To achieve results, all instructions must be followed and the specific characteristics of the product must be taken into account.

Fitoverm

This natural product is based on specific toxins from soil microorganisms. The active ingredient is a concentrated emulsion of avermectin C, available in ampoules, vials, and canisters.

Action

Used to control insect pests of garden and fruit and berry crops. This product has both intestinal and contact action. The protective effect lasts up to 15 days, but repeated applications are required.

Application

On raspberries, the product is used to kill leaf rollers, spider mites, and codling moths. Fitoverm is diluted in water, strictly following the instructions for use. The recommended dosage is 2 milligrams of Fitoverm per liter of water.

Advantages

1. Fast effect (pests die within 2-3 days).
2. Wide spectrum of action on different groups of pests.
3. Does not harm the environment.
4. The drug is not dangerous to humans.
5. Apply during fruiting.
6. It works during hot weather, which is an advantage.

Flaws

1. To be sure of complete destruction of insects, repeated treatment is required.
2. You cannot use Fitoverm solution when raspberries are flowering (the insects that pollinate the crop will die).
3. Quite a high cost.
4. It is recommended to use the preparation in combination with a soap solution; for spraying shoots, choose a clear day without precipitation.

Fitoverm KE and Fitoverm P, which have a more specific purpose, are also available. Fitoverm KE is effective against various types of mites, while Fitoverm P is designed to combat nematodes.

Agravertin

A medication containing an alcohol extract of streptomycetes fungi. It is sold under a different, updated name, Akarin. It is available in liquid form, most commonly in ampoules, and less commonly in vials.

Action

Belongs to the group of contact-intestinal insecticides, ingested by insects. It causes paralysis, causing the pest to stop feeding after approximately 8-10 hours, and then dies within 48 hours. On open-ground crops, the action lasts up to 16 hours. The product is effective against insects:

• stem fly;
• aphids;
• thrips;
• spider mite.

Affects adults and larvae.

Application

The alcohol extract is diluted in water. The proportions are specified in the instructions for the product. For pest prevention, Akarin (5 ml) is diluted in 4 liters of water. For insect control, a more concentrated solution is used: 5 ml per 1.5 liters of water.

The product is not absorbed into plant tissue; to improve adhesion, it is recommended to add shavings of laundry soap and a spoonful of shampoo to the working compositions.

Spray once every 7-7 days, repeating if necessary. After each treatment, do not water the plants for 1-2 days.

Advantages

1. Fast action.
2. Possibility of use in hot weather.
3. Efficiency.
4. Affordable price for Agravertin.
5. Ease of use.
6. It has no toxic effect on humans.
7. Compatible with microelements, plant growth stimulants, and fertilizers.

Flaws

1. Low effect when used in rain.
2. The product is toxic to aquatic life and bees, so it should only be applied directly to the plants. Raspberries should be treated before flowering and after harvesting in the fall.

Trichodermin

It is a biofungicide based on the fungus Trichoderma lignorum and the biologically active substances it secretes. It is used on raspberries as a preventative against bacterial and fungal diseases. It is effective against rot, verticillium wilt, and cytosporosis.

Action

The Trichoderma fungus contained in the product is highly active in destroying fungi, toxins, bacteria, and viruses. It has no negative impact on plants.

Application

Trichodermin is diluted in water at the following ratio: 10 ml of the concentrated solution is added to each liter of liquid. Raspberries are sprayed once or twice at bud break. Allow 10 days between treatments.

Advantages

1. A universal preparation (suitable for different plants).
2. Affordable price.
3. Effective when used correctly.
4. Trichodermin is safe for humans.
5. The product does not pose a danger to bees or other insects.

Flaws

1. It is a preventative measure; in case of widespread infection of raspberries, other preparations are used.
2. This product is only used in warm weather (temperatures above 14ºC). This must be taken into account when treating raspberries in the spring, otherwise the product's effectiveness will be negligible.

Fitosporin

In the spring, the natural biofungicide Fitosporin (or Fitosporin-M) is used to spray berry bushes. The product is based on strains of Bacillus subtilis, with additional components including chalk and Gumi.

The biofungicide is available for sale in three forms:

• powder;
• liquid;
• paste.

For preventative treatment of raspberries, Fitosporin without humic additive is recommended (see composition description).

Action

The culture's spores, contained in the powder or paste, interact with water and become activated. They require nutrition to survive, so the bacteria "attack" pathogens and fungal spores. The result is the neutralization of the hazardous environment.

Application

Fitosporin is used on raspberries as an effective preventative against fungal infections. It is used against a number of pests:

• stem gall midge;
• raspberry fly;
• raspberry beetle.

It is suitable as a treatment only in the early stages of the disease; in advanced infections, stronger chemicals are used.

For treatment, Fitosporin is diluted in water:

• add 5 grams of powder per bucket;
• When using the paste, first prepare the substrate: 100 grams per 200 ml of water), then use it as a base for the working solution: 3 teaspoons per bucket;
• Fitosporin in liquid form is ready for use; to spray raspberries, add 10 drops to 200 ml of water.

Raspberries are processed in the spring, when the leaves bloom, and also during the period of ovary formation.

Advantages

1. High activity against pathogenic fungi.
2. Good compatibility with other drugs.
3. Environmentally friendly.
4. Fitosporin does not cause harm to humans.
5. The drug is not dangerous for insects.
6. With possible small overdoses of the drug, no negative side effects occur.

Flaws

1. Bacillus subtilis bacteria are killed by bright sunlight. It is recommended to treat the bushes early in the morning or in the evening.
2. Difficulties arise when preparing the solution, since there is no dispenser.
3. It is necessary to add an adhesive (soap, shampoo) to the working solution.

Polyverse VR

A biological product based on the predatory fungus Pythium oligandrum. It is a contact product and is available in powder form (in packets).

Action

Once activated (the powder is diluted with water), the fungus begins its life cycle. Through feeding, it destroys fungal spores.

On raspberries, it's effective as a preventative against shoot dieback and gray mold. Apply from the beginning of flowering until fruiting.

Application

It is used as a working solution for spraying, after first activating the bacterial spores:

• take 250 grams of the drug;
• placed in a mesh dust bag;
• the bag is placed in any suitable container (bucket, tank, container);
• fill the contents of the bag with water (5-6 liters);
• leave for an hour;
• then squeeze the resulting mixture out of the bag;
• The prepared composition is sprayed on raspberries (0.7 liters per 10 square meters of plantings).

Advantages

1. Effective as a preventative measure.
2. Treating raspberries with Poliversum not only protects plants from diseases, but also improves the quality of the berries.
3. Promotes activation of plant immunity.
4. Highly environmentally friendly product.

Flaws

1. Difficulties in preparing the working solution.
2. For treatments, it is necessary to prepare a new solution each time.

Bitoxybacillin

A biological product based on the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which has a toxic effect on parasites.

The product is produced in powder form; a solution is used to treat raspberries.

Application

Prepare the solution immediately before treating the bushes. The best time is before the raspberries bloom, although the bio-product can also be used in the summer.

For pest prevention, the solution proportions are: 80 grams of powder per 10 liters.

Chemicals

Chemical preparations are considered more effective in protecting raspberries from infections and pests, but due to the toxicity of the products, strict adherence to dosages is required.

Nitrafen

The product is a dark-colored paste with a pungent odor. It dissolves readily in water and is sold in plastic bottles. It is used in early spring as a preventative pest control to prevent anthracnose.

Application

The working solution for treating raspberries is as follows: use 150 grams of paste per bucket of clean water. Consumption: up to 2 liters of solution are required per 10 m².

Advantages

1. Effective against raspberry beetle.
2. Affordable.

Flaws

1. Poisonous.
2. It accumulates in the soil, so it is used strictly according to doses.

Fufanon

Fufanon, an insecticide available in ampoules and canisters, is effective against stem gall midges. Its active ingredient, malathion, causes insect paralysis.

Application

Spray raspberries in early spring, ensuring the bushes are treated before the leaves emerge and before flowering begins. Dilute the solution in water at a rate of 1 ml per liter of liquid. The solution should be used at a rate of 1.5-2 liters per 10 square meters.

Advantages

1. Rapid action of the drug (within 24-28 hours).
2. No unpleasant odor.
3. Versatility of the product.
4. Easy to prepare working solution.
5. Affordable price.
6. Low toxicity to the human body.

Flaws

1. Should not be used in combination with other drugs.
2. Toxic to insects.

Actellic

Spring treatment of berry bushes with Actellic helps control aphids and stem midges. This highly penetrating insecticide-acaricide is available in liquid ampoules.

Action

The drug has contact and intestinal action, causing paralysis and then death of pests.

Application

The suspension is diluted in water at the following ratio: one ampoule (2 ml) per 2 liters. To treat an area of ​​10 square meters, 1.5-2 liters of the solution is required.

Advantages

1. High efficiency.
2. Affordable price.
3. Ease of use.

Flaws

1. Dangerous to humans (class 2), work in special clothing is required.
2. Toxic to bees, other insects, birds, and fish.

Chlorophos

This product is used to protect raspberry bushes from shoot midges. This product has a broad spectrum of action, but requires careful mixing when preparing solutions. It is available as a powder or a viscous paste.

Action

Causes disruption of nerve impulses, paralysis, and death in insects.

Application

Treat the soil under raspberry bushes with a 0.15-0.3% chlorophos solution. Allow the soil to warm to approximately 13ºC…14ºC. Two applications are required, the second 10-12 days after the first.

Topaz

To prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust, raspberries are treated with Topaz. This fungicide is effective and safe for plants and can be used at any time during the growing season, if needed.

Action

The active ingredient in this drug, penconazole, acts on the spores of pathogenic fungi. It slows down metabolism and leads to death.

Application

3-4 ml of fungicide is diluted in a bucket of water and up to 2 liters of the composition are sprayed per 10 m2.

Advantages

1. High efficiency.
2. Low consumption of the product.
3. Long period of exposure.
4. Versatility of the product.

Flaws

1. It accumulates in the soil, so the preparation is not used constantly in the same area.
2. Strict dosage is required.
3. Toxic to humans and insects.

Kemifos

Kemifos solution is used against weevils, geometers, moths, and gall midges. It is similar in action to Karbofos and is a first-generation acaricide.

Action

The essential oil components of the product cause paralysis in insects, as well as drying out and gradually destroying egg clutches. The onset of action is 1.5-3 hours after treatment.

Application

Dilute according to the instructions: 1 mg per 1 liter of water. For 10 square meters of planting, approximately 1.5 liters of Kemifos solution will be required.

Alatar

A product from the group of insecticides with contact and stomach action. Used to protect raspberries from weevils, aphids, and leaf rollers.

Available in the form of an emulsion, in ampoule form, and in vials.

Action

The preparation is based on the substances cypermethrin and malathion, which cause paralysis of insects and their subsequent death.

Application

The preparation is diluted in water, 10 ml of Alatar is taken per ten-liter bucket.

Advantages

1. High efficiency.
2. The composition contains a special component - an adhesive that prevents the working solution from being washed off the treated plants.
3. Economical in consumption.

Flaws

1. Alatar is toxic to humans, insects, and fish.
2. It is recommended to use protective equipment when working.

Copper sulfate

A widely known remedy among gardeners, actively used for the prevention and protection of raspberries from gray mold and anthracnose.

Application

Use in spring, before raspberries bloom. The working solution for treatment is 50-100 grams per bucket of water (10 liters).

Advantages

1. Active fungicide and biocide.
2. It is not addictive.
3. Acts simultaneously as a micronutrient fertilizer (copper ions).
4. Affordable price.

Urea

This product is known as a fertilizer, but in certain homes in the spring, urea acts as a preventative against pests and diseases.

Action

Helps combat rust, anthracnose, and spotting. Effective against overwintering raspberry beetle and glassworm larvae.

Application

Spray the bushes with a solution at a rate of 10 liters per 10 acres. The solution is prepared as follows: add 500 grams of urea to a bucket of water (10 liters).

Bordeaux mixture

A versatile and affordable mixture of lime and copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture, is excellent at combating a variety of dangerous fungi.

The drug is sold in specialized stores, and can also be prepared at home.

Application

When using the prepared product, take 250 ml of concentrate per bucket of water.

For raspberries, use a 1% solution, spraying the bushes before flowering.

Oxychom

For spring treatments, Oxychom is recommended for fungal disease prevention. It's available as a powder; when preparing working solutions, it must be diluted in water.

Action

The active ingredients, copper oxychloride and oxadixilan, target pathogenic flora. The product is characterized by its rapid action.

Application

Use 10 grams of the product powder per 5 liters of water. Spray raspberries before flowering. One treatment in the spring is sufficient.

Fundazol

A medication for the prevention of fungal infections, available in powder form. It has an unpleasant odor.

Application

Spray raspberry bushes for preventative purposes, using a solution of 5 grams per five liters of water. One treatment before flowering is sufficient.

Flaws

1. Highly toxic (hazard class 2).
2. Fundazol's registration period in the Russian Federation has expired, but the drug is currently being used for private plots.

Skor

Used as a preventative measure during spring treatments of raspberries. Effective in preventing bacterial and fungal infections. Available as an emulsion, vials, and ampoules.

Application

The solution is prepared by dissolving the product in water: 2 ml per 1 liter. Spray the raspberry bushes once before flowering and again after flowering.

Advantages

1. Effective.
2. Compatible with other fungicides.
3. No need to add soap or shampoo to improve adhesion.
4. Works regardless of weather conditions.
5. Convenient and easy to use.
6. Non-toxic to humans and insects.

Flaws

1. High consumption of concentrate (especially if several treatments are required).
2. High cost of the product.
3. Not very convenient packaging.
4. Toxic to fish.

Hom

The drug is similar to Bordeaux mixture; its active ingredient is copper oxychloride. It is used to combat and prevent fungal infections.

Application

Preparing the solution is easy: dilute 40 grams of the product per 10 liters. It's best to first dilute the product in a small amount of liquid, then top it up with water to the required volume.

Spray raspberry bushes before flowering, using one liter per 10 square meters of planting.

Karbofos

Treating raspberries with Karbofos is effective against bud moths. This product is available in various forms:

• pills;
• liquid;
• emulsion;
• powder.

Action

A product with pronounced contact action. It is distinguished by its effectiveness and rapid action.

Application

In early spring, prepare a solution for spraying: 60 grams of the product per 8 liters of water. Dissolve the solution completely in water, then spray the bushes. Apply 2 liters of the solution per 10 mature raspberry bushes.

Advantages

1. Efficiency.
2. Versatility.

Flaws

1. High toxicity.
2. It is necessary to observe safety rules when working with solutions.

Colloidal sulfur

A specialized fungicide from a group of inorganic compounds, available in granular and powder form. Sulfur is effective against all fungal diseases.

Application

The proportions for preparing the solution are 3:1, that is, take 30 grams of powder per 10 liters of water.

Spray raspberries before flowering begins (3-4 times, interval – 2-3 days).

Antitlin

Antitlin, a tobacco dust-based product, is used for spring treatments against aphids and thrips. It comes in 500-gram sachets.

Application

To make the solution, empty the bag into a bucket and fill it to the top with water. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours, then strain and add 40-50 grams of soap shavings. Apply the solution to the berry bush before it blooms.

DNOC

The fungicide, when applied to stems and leaves, destroys fungal spores, preventing infections at the earliest stages.

Application

DNOC is applied in early spring, preferably before bud break. The solution is prepared as follows:

• the package (50 grams) is diluted in water (1 liter);
• mix the mixture;
• add water to bring the total volume to 10 liters.

Consumption for raspberries: 1 liter per 1 square meter.

Recommended for treating garden areas located far from residential buildings.

Horus

Among the new products on the market, Horus is recommended, which has proven effective against spotting, gray mold, and powdery mildew.

Application

Fill a sprayer with water (one-quarter full), add the product (as per instructions), top up with water, and stir. For raspberries, use before the bushes bloom.

Decis

Decis is recommended for treatment against bud moths. It is a deltamethrin-based fungicide with contact and stomach action. It is available in granular form.

Application

For the solution, take a standard amount of liquid—10 liters—and dilute 1 gram of the preparation. Spray before the raspberries begin to bloom.

Advantages

1. high speed of action of Decis.
2. Moderate hazard to humans.
3. Efficiency.
4. No pungent odor.
5. Safe for soil (does not accumulate).

Flaws

1. Does not dissolve well in water.
2. Toxic to bees and fish.

Folk remedies

Compositions prepared according to folk recipes are widely used to prevent various diseases, as well as the appearance of pests on raspberry bushes.

Marigold tincture

The familiar marigold flower is effective against the raspberry beetle. To prepare the solution, you'll need 200 grams of the flowers, steeped in a bucket of water for 10-12 hours. It's best to soak the flowers in hot water.

Tincture of bitter wormwood

The method for preparing an infusion of wormwood is exactly the same, but the infusion time is shorter – 1.5-2 hours.

Onion tincture

This remedy effectively repels pests and also serves as a fertilizer for raspberries. To prepare an infusion from the peels, pour 50-60 grams of peels into 10 liters of water and let steep for a week.

Spray the bushes and water the soil around the plants.

Birch tar

Birch tar is a reliable remedy for raspberry and strawberry weevils. It is also effective against spider mites.

Proportions for preparing the composition:

• 10 liters of water;
• 10 grams of tar;
• 40 grams of laundry soap.

The treatment is carried out before the first buds appear on the raspberries.

Citrus infusion

As a folk remedy for pest prevention, use an infusion of citrus fruits (orange, lemon).

Take 50 grams of fruit peels, pour hot water (1 liter) over them, and let them sit for 3-6 days. Then spray the raspberries before flowering.

Soap and soda solution

Both a simple soap solution and a combination with baking soda help against aphids.

First, dissolve 300 grams of soap shavings in a liter of warm water, then add a spoonful of baking soda. If using washing soda, reduce the amount by half.

Whey or sour milk

The milk mixture is easy to prepare: a 1:1 ratio. You can use sour milk, whey, or low-fat kefir. The resulting mixture is sprayed on raspberries in the spring and also when aphids appear on the leaves.

Wood ash with soap

Sift the ash (3 kg), then add 10 liters of hot water and let it steep. Add three tablespoons of wood shavings or liquid soap and stir. Spray the raspberries in the morning before the bushes bloom.

Kerosene

A kerosene solution helps against stem flies and gall midges. To do this, gently stir 300 grams of green soap into 1 liter of hot water, then add 800 ml of kerosene.

The mixture is added to 10 liters. The result is a white emulsion, which is then sprayed on the raspberry shoots.

Kerosene is also mixed with sawdust, peat, and sand (1 cup of kerosene per bucket of material) and the resulting mixture is spread in mounds around raspberry bushes. This method is used to repel raspberry flies and gall midges.

Garlic and mustard tincture

To treat raspberry bushes against pests, prepare a garlic-mustard infusion. To do this, add 100 grams of mustard powder to a bucket of water, add 300 grams of finely chopped garlic, let it steep for two days, and then spray the bushes.

Treatment with boiling water

The most cost-effective and simple way to treat raspberries in the spring is to water the bushes with boiling water. This method eliminates pest larvae that overwinter in the soil.

Pour boiling water over the soil around the plants and also very carefully water the upper part of the shoots.

Spring raspberry cultivation is an important agricultural measure that allows for a healthy harvest and also makes gardeners' work easier during the summer.