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yellow markings on marionberry leaves #870666

Asked May 29, 2024, 8:59 PM EDT

Noticing irregular yellow leaf markings on home marionberry. I've searched pics and resources on line and can't find any examples that fit. I thought about rust, but the undersides of the leaves are clean. I don't see anything online about any mosaic diseases of marionberries. Not sure if RBDV affects marions, but even pics of that don't match. Q is whether this is a virus and I should destroy the plant, or something cultural? Thank you, Dan

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, Dan.  Your plant appears to have a virus, described here:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/blackberry-rubus-spp-virus-diseases

Once a virus has infected a plant, it is there for good.  As the article indicates, "no known vector" has been found.  That means that the mechanism (typically an insect) that got it to the plant is unknown, so explaining where it came from and how to control it is still a mystery.  You can, though, expect that your plant's yield will be less.  If you take the advice found there, you should remove it and replace it with an immune or resistant variety.  A reputable nursery should be able to recommend some.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 03, 2024, 3:08 PM EDT
Yep, that sure looks like it.
Thanks for the ID.

- Dan

On Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 12:08 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT
Welcome!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 03, 2024, 5:31 PM EDT

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