Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Chicken Pete on October 03, 2011, 12:56
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Not sure if this is the correct forum for the following question but am sure I will be advised accordingly.
We have several gooseberry,redcurrant and blackcurrant bushes which over the years have been very bountiful,however, last year we noticed that some of the branches had a sort of mould/mildrew/canker!! appearing and the colour was a light blue/grey. The same has occurred this year but also in a gold colour.
We have absolutely no idea as to what this is and whether it is harmful to the bushes.
We would be very grateful if somebody who recognises what this is and can advise as to what we can do to eradicate it.
Many thanks in advance.
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Do you prune your bushes yearly?
If not, then its likely there's been poor air flow and diseases started building up. The blue gray mold can be removed by pruning, but do be sure to dip the secateurs into white vinegar after each cut so that you don't spread the problem. Regular watering in dry seasons should also minimize this problem. Bin all cuttings, never compost them.
The gold problem is likely blister rust, a common problem to gooseberries and currants. The worst can be cut away, as above, the rest can be treated with a commercial fungicide specific to that problem. And do keep an eye on these problems so they don't build up in future.
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Trillium,many thanks for your advice and recommendations re this problem. Will action as you suggest.
Cheers