Wild blackberries in the forest are rarely seriously affected by diseases. The cultivated blackberry varieties for the garden, on the other hand, sometimes need a little help against various pathogens.

Animal pests on the blackberry canes

In addition to the diseases caused by fungi and other pathogens, there are also numerous pests that can damage the leaves and fruits. The so-called blackberry gall mite is one of the best-known pests on blackberry plants. She sucks on the fruits, which means that they no longer fully ripen and remain red. The best antidote to the proliferation of the blackberry gall mite and the equally harmful flower weevil is to cut off the harvested blackberry rods in autumn and winter. In this way, the nests and winter hiding places of the pests can be removed with the shoot tips of the old rods.

Care and fertilizer for the vitality of blackberries

Prevention is the best remedy against the onset of diseases on the bramble cane. The general vitality of the stock should be increased by bringing the blackberry plants into a not too dense and well-ventilated form with a trellis or other climbing aid for blackberries. In addition, malformations on the leaves, canes and fruits can also be the result of an insufficient supply of some nutrients. Fertilization with special potassium-containing berry fertilizers or a biological alternative in the form of animal manure or compost should be administered several times a year if possible. Regularly cutting off the two-year-old canes after the harvest gives the new shoots enough light and space, but deprives diseases and pests of their livelihood.

The most important blackberry diseases and how to control them

Most of the following diseases can only be combated inadequately and often occur when the stocking density is too high:

  • the rubus dive
  • the vine disease
  • the powdery mildew and downy mildew
  • the gray horse
  • the Colletotrichum fruit rot

In the case of the Rubus bush, the side shoots grow in a compressed and tufted form. The blackberry bushes affected are weakened in their vitality and usually die within about five years. The tendril disease, on the other hand, initially causes black and purple spots to appear on the tendrils. Later, black fruiting bodies form from this type of fungus, which can also lead to the death of the plants if it is severe. In the case of downy mildew, the blackberries dry up before they are ripe, while in the case of powdery mildew, a whitish-grey coating forms on the leaves and tendrils of the blackberry plant. Mildew can be sprayed with a biological decoction made from nettles or horsetail that have been soaked in water for a few days.

tips and tricks

Although there are some chemical remedies against blackberry diseases, these usually spoil the usability of the fruit for at least a year. Some diseases can be contained by consistently removing infested plant material and equalizing the stocking density.

Category:

Vegetable garden