[greenhead]

I have a Black current 'hedge' which is 10+ years old which acts as a border for the next plot.  All bushes have 'big bud' covering 25% or more of the growth.

I would like to grub-out and re plant with new bushes using the same ground (not recommended-I know) to retain the hedge.  How do I prepare the ground before planting?  There is a carpet strip (stair carpet!!) either side of the run which makes me think the bushes are Donkeys years old.

Would I get away with cutting the canes down to the ground and await new growth?

Advise please.

[crh75]

The recommended method of pruning blackcurrant is to cut out a third of the oldest stems at ground level each year after harvest.
If you cut the lot back it will grow again. 
Try pruning back to groune level as much as you want and clear the old carpet and weeds so you can feed the plants.  Then you can start pruning as per the book next year.  This way you should get great crops.

[greenhead]

Thanks crh75, I always thought big bud spelt the end of the bush.  Will give it a try on a couple of bushes.

Regards.

[crh75]

Just in case I wasn't clear. Make sure you remove all the big buds!

[sion01]

A really old book i've got(1909) says that you can get rid of big bud with a 2% lime sulphur spray.If it's legal or safe in 2011 I don't know.(it also says that dill works against witch craft.I'll never be afraid of my mother in-law again)

[Swing Swang]

The problem isn't the big bud mite so much as the reversion disease that they spread. If you've a heavy infestation on 10+ year old plants my guess is they're infected, but you'll need to check the leaves in a few weeks to make sure. Yields will be reduced and of course you'll be a 'reservoir' of the disease for all your neighbours.

My feeling is that any soft fruit much over 10 years should be grubbed out as the yields will be so much better with new stock

If you're going to have to grub them out why not plant with another (non ribes spp) fruit? Not sure if raspberry (rubus spp) would be suitable, but you could go insane and grow a fig-hedge!

SS

[hubballi]

I had to dig my old B Currant bush out to re-design the garden. It's lying on a pile of soil heeled in to keep it going until I can decide what I am doing with it. Can I replant it in a pot ?

[greenhead]

I have dissected one of the 'big buds' and could not find any bug inside! then I read they are only 0.25mm (10 thou) long so almost invisible. 

The carpet strips either side of the row - is this to prohibit weeds?  How old is this practise?  Is it still practised?

As to planting in pots - for a few week yes, but as they are 'shallow rooters' which may spread some distance, then for the long term would not recommend, although I am no 'expert' on Black Currents.