[EarthyJim]

hello all - wondered if anyone can help me... was donated a very nice young Invicta gooseberry bush about a month ago, and it's been doing just fine until last week, when i noticed it's got a kind of white limescale-like mould on young berries and shoots.

does anyone know what this is, what causes it and most importantly how to cure it?!

thanks

Jim

[flowerlady]

oo dear that doesn't sound nice!     Might this be it ?  :?

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/suttonelms/fruit1.html

[Stevens706]

It could be American gooseberry mildew and you will need to spray the plant next year to prevent it, see the link below, hope it helps

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/problem-solving/gooseberry-mildew/

[EarthyJim]

thanks guys - don't think it's the American gooseberry mildew as it doesn't look quite as 'crusty' as in the pictures there, plus the Invicta plant is not supposed to be susceptible.

do you think the American blight and American mildew are the same thing?

thanks v. much for your help

[gobs]

Well, American mildew will typically attack shoots and fruit and not leaves much in gooseberries as per your description, try a magnifying glass.

Susceptibility and immunity are two different things.

There is also downy mildew and European mildew, in any case, I can't advise on chemicals, if you want to go down that root.

Otherwise, keep crown airy, cut out all affected shoots, fruit and dispose off, do not over water and over fertilise.

[gobs]

Well, American mildew will typically attack shoots and fruit and not leaves much in gooseberries as per your description, try a magnifying glass.

Susceptibility and immunity are two different things.

There is also downy mildew and European mildew, in any case, I can't advise on chemicals, if you want to go down that root.

Otherwise, keep crown airy, cut out all affected shoots, fruit and dispose off, do not over water and over fertilise.