Raspberries dying - Ask Extension
The raspberries I panted in my back yard several years ago have never done well. I do not recall the variety of berry but they bear from early Summer...
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Raspberries dying #884617
Asked September 09, 2024, 3:23 PM EDT
The raspberries I panted in my back yard several years ago have never done well. I do not recall the variety of berry but they bear from early Summer through late Summer. In the last five years or so, they started dying back at the height of the bearing time. They may have clusters of fruit on the tips but then the leaves and stems start to turn brown and the fruit begins to shrivel. There may be an unaffected cane right next to a withering one. I do get some very good fruit but others and eventually most die and I cut them back. There is plenty of new grown every Spring. I have read a bit about cane borers. I do recall seeing the beetles or discreet puncture holes. Perhaps I should remove and start over?
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Rebecca. Unfortunately, we can't diagnose whether this is a disease, an insect infestation, or an environmental problem, having just photos. There are 21 diseases which infect berries, and half a dozen insects. But what seems apparent is that the margins (edges) of the leaves are brown, and appear to be yellowing. The first is typically caused by inadequate watering; the second is due to inadequate nutrients, primarily nitrogen. Did you water them regularly, measuring soil moisture levels? Did you fertilize them in the spring and again in the summer?
I can recommend that you send plant tissue for a lab diagnosis, but wonder if the problem(s) is the gardening, rather than other factors. More information? Thanks!
I can recommend that you send plant tissue for a lab diagnosis, but wonder if the problem(s) is the gardening, rather than other factors. More information? Thanks!
Thank you for the response. What is the best way to measure soil moisture levels? I do amend the soil in the spring with a chicken manure compost but could look into a more specific fertilizer for the berries (with nitrogen).
On Sep 9, 2024, at 12:47 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
You can find soil moisture probes (that resemble thermometers) for less than $10. Here is a comprehensive guide to growing raspberries in Oregon: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1306-growing-raspberries-your-home-garden
I suggest that you get a soil test for pH and soil nutrients, as well as recommendations for soil amendments, from a lab. Here is the closest one: https://al-labs-west.com/
If you have grown raspberries in the same plot every year, you soil may be depleted of necessary nutrients for fruit production. But watering is crucial!
I suggest that you get a soil test for pH and soil nutrients, as well as recommendations for soil amendments, from a lab. Here is the closest one: https://al-labs-west.com/
If you have grown raspberries in the same plot every year, you soil may be depleted of necessary nutrients for fruit production. But watering is crucial!
Much appreciate the suggestions!
On Sep 9, 2024, at 1:10 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Welcome! Also, know that soil amendments should be added in the fall so they can be absorbed over the winter, for use in the spring.
