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My high bush cranberries were perfect and growing now the ends of the stems are curling as as the leaves. #757355
Asked June 20, 2021, 8:58 PM EDT
Can you tell me what pest may be causing leaves of a perfectly healthy high bush cranberry to curl. That is the first step. I have seen black at the tops of the new shoots,? ant/larvae. The next day there are beetles mating on the leaves and some of the leaves are Lacey in appearance as if eaten. I can't seem to find the pest, it is beetle looking, no Japanese, but has a black stripe down the middle of its back. I would appreciate any help with possible images and names of the pest and how to treat. Thank you
Orleans County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi, Barbara. Highbush cranberries are one of my favorite shrubs. They are not susceptible to many pests or diseases, but they are vulnerable to the viburnam leaf beetle (VLB). Your description of lacy leaves sounds like the VLB. I'm not sure if the black at the tips of new shoots is also VLB related. If you send me a photo of the leaves and shoots I'll double check the diagnosis.
In the meantime, here are some links with information about what to do with VLB. Depending on the age and health of the plant, the severity of the infestation, and the stage of the beetle (egg, larva, or beetle) there are different actions you might take.
How to identify VLB: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/id.html
For management options: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/manage.html
And management FAQ's: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/manfaq.html
Finally, for general cranberrybush info: https://extension.umaine.edu/cranberries/highbush-cranberry/
I hope this is helpful.
- Juanita, UVM EMG
