spotting on raspberry leaves - Ask Extension
I am worried about a fungal infection with my raspberries? I took it by a gardening place and they said they weren't worried because the weather could...
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spotting on raspberry leaves #788776
Asked May 01, 2022, 3:46 PM EDT
I am worried about a fungal infection with my raspberries? I took it by a gardening place and they said they weren't worried because the weather could have caused that, but they were worried about the size of the berries...that they should have been bigger at this point. They said it just needed more fertilizer. Can you verify? Thank you.
Wake County North Carolina
Expert Response
Hello,
Please forgive our delay in responding!!!
This does look like a fungal disease, probably spur blight. Other common fungal diseases are anthracnose, botrytis, and root rot that cause problems. All are treated similarly by making sure that the plants are pruned in order to increase air flow making sure the plant does not stay wet. Pruning is essential in order to keep plants well-maintained, but try to make sure to avoid pruning the second-year growth that will bear fruit. Just prune out disease areas as needed during dry weather. It is generally best to prune out old, summer-bearing canes as soon as fruiting is over to encourage new canes and make sure that your plants are in full sun.
Also, fungal disease can reduce the fruit yield. This may explain the smaller fruit. I would not fertilize until you see healthy new growth. If a plant is stressed and you fertilize it can stress the plant more and cause more damage. Here is a link that will give you a few more details and when to fertilize.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/raspberries-in-the-home-garden
If you have any other questions please let us know.
Please forgive our delay in responding!!!
This does look like a fungal disease, probably spur blight. Other common fungal diseases are anthracnose, botrytis, and root rot that cause problems. All are treated similarly by making sure that the plants are pruned in order to increase air flow making sure the plant does not stay wet. Pruning is essential in order to keep plants well-maintained, but try to make sure to avoid pruning the second-year growth that will bear fruit. Just prune out disease areas as needed during dry weather. It is generally best to prune out old, summer-bearing canes as soon as fruiting is over to encourage new canes and make sure that your plants are in full sun.
Also, fungal disease can reduce the fruit yield. This may explain the smaller fruit. I would not fertilize until you see healthy new growth. If a plant is stressed and you fertilize it can stress the plant more and cause more damage. Here is a link that will give you a few more details and when to fertilize.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/raspberries-in-the-home-garden
If you have any other questions please let us know.
