Blackcurrant Pests? Effective Control Methods

Blackcurrant diseases and pests require prompt and effective control. If left untreated, the problem can ultimately lead to crop loss, or even death.

Most often, the development of diseases and the appearance of parasites can be prevented in advance by carrying out timely preventive measuresHowever, if a problem does occur, it's essential to take the quickest and most effective measures to save the affected plant and prevent the disease from spreading to other crops in the area. What disinfection measures should be taken to ensure blackcurrants grow smoothly, produce a bountiful harvest, and avoid problems?

Black currant: diseases and pests

Kidney mite

This species of arthropod parasite specifically infests currants. Initially, you'll notice swollen buds on the bushes that don't open in the spring, but instead appear to loosen. If you look closely, you'll see deformed leaves inside these buds, which the mite simply prevented from developing properly. Eventually, the buds dry up and die. Naturally, if the plant has few leaves, the resulting harvest will also be limited.

Gardeners should be aware that each affected bud will harbor numerous mites. Leaf tips infected by this parasite will turn dark and deformed as early as midsummer. Specific folk remedies for controlling pests and diseases on blackcurrants can be found in detail in the second section, which describes each problem.

How to treat: All affected buds will need to be removed and burned, especially before bud break. Spray the currants with ISO or a colloidal sulfur suspension, diluting 75 grams of the chosen solution in a bucket of water. After flowering, spray the bush with a 1% solution of lime-sulfur or use a 1% colloidal sulfur suspension.

Aphid

You can spot aphids on currants with the naked eye. The plant's leaves will be wrinkled and curled at the very tips. On the undersides of the leaves, you'll see numerous light green insects—the aphids themselves.

How to treat: If aphids infest bushes, treat them for the first time before the buds swell. Use a 3% tritrafen solution. Chlorophos, at a rate of 20 grams per bucket of water, is also suitable for spraying. At the stage when aphids appear, a solution of anabasine sulfate and soap is excellent for spraying.

Leaf gall midge

Infestation is most often noticed in late May, when disfigured and wrinkled leaves are visible on the upper parts of the shoot. The midge larvae reside inside the young leaves, sucking their sap and damaging the skin. Young leaves under attack stunt development and soon die.

How to treat: Remove infected shoots, then spray the plant with chlorophos, diluting 20 grams of the product in a bucket and adding 30 grams of malathion.

Spider mite

A common parasite on many houseplants and garden plants, it will also thrive on currants under favorable conditions. Its aggression is especially noticeable before the bush blooms, when the leaves turn white or bright brown, and the mite itself can be seen on their undersides.

How to treat: Burn affected leaves and dig up the soil beneath the bush. Use a 50% malathion solution for spraying. Spray during flowering and repeat after flowering.

Glass-box

Blackcurrant: Diseases and Pests, and Control (Photos) Begins with Identifying the Specific Pest. This parasite is a caterpillar that feeds on leaves and lays orange larvae under the bark of the stems.

How to treat: After all the affected shoots have been destroyed, spray the plant with Iskra Double Effect, dissolving one tablet of the product in a bucket of water.

Berry sawfly

This insect is dangerous because it attacks the berries themselves. As a result, the berries acquire a ribbed appearance. Shoots can also be damaged, leading to the drying out of the leaves and the entire bush. The video shows a variety of options for controlling blackcurrant pests and diseases; the most effective and efficient methods are discussed above.

How to treat: Spray the bushes with 0.2% chlorophos, and in the fall, be sure to thoroughly dig up the soil under the bush.

Effective folk remedies for combating black currant diseases and pests:

1. It helps against aphids. black henbanePour three liters of water over a kilogram of dry powder from this plant and bring to a boil. Once the mixture boils, let it cool and strain. Dilute with clean water to make ten liters of the mixture and use it for spraying.
2. Hogweed The dissected variety is suitable for aphid control. For every kilogram of leaves or stems, add ten liters of boiling water and leave covered for ten hours. Use the infusion to treat the bushes.
3. Prevention of tick infestation is the use of black elderberryYou will need to place fresh branches of the plant near the currant bushes in early spring.
4. It will get rid of spider mites red hot pepperPour 10 liters of boiling water over the pepper, let it steep for several hours, and then carefully wash the affected leaves with the solution.

Blackcurrant: diseases and pests, and how to control them will help you grow beautiful berries every year without much effort. Remember that with proper care the plant will not be affected by diseases or pests at all.