[gerpsych]

Hi,

A request for advice and info. Two weeks ago we went ofn holiday leaving our three gooseberry bushes at home to look after themselves. When we returned we would them almost completely naked.. Hardly a leaf on them. Many small stubs of bits of leaf as if they had been cut across nearthe stem. Is this  likely to be saw fly ? If it is what should I do ?

Cheers

Alan

[Greengirl]

Definitely sawfly I'm afraid. It's likely that the caterpillars will have dropped off & are pupating in the soil ready to attack next year. Try & cultivate the soil a little to expose the pupae for the birds to eat. Next spring be vigilant & at the first sign of infestation, spray the litte b*****s with an insecticide.

[gerpsych]

Definitely sawfly I'm afraid. It's likely that the caterpillars will have dropped off & are pupating in the soil ready to attack next year. Try & cultivate the soil a little to expose the pupae for the birds to eat. Next spring be vigilant & at the first sign of infestation, spray the litte b*****s with an insecticide.

Thanks, I feared as much. I will try what you suggest so that I have a crop of more than 3 berries next year

Cheers

Alan