Currants are quite easy to care for and hardy. However, some diseases can cause problems for the plants. The most common diseases and what you can do about them.

The most common diseases of currant

  • nettle leafiness
  • American currant or gooseberry powdery mildew
  • column grate
  • leaf fall disease
  • red pustular disease

nettle leafiness

It can be recognized by the fact that the leaves of the currant change color and the shoots form fewer flowers.

It is caused by a virus transmitted by the currant gall midge.

Cut off affected parts generously and discard them. Spray the plant preventively with tansy tea and do not leave too many shoots when pruning.

American powdery mildew

If a white-grey coating appears on the leaves of the currant, the plant is suffering from powdery mildew. This is a fungal infestation.

All affected areas are cut off and discarded. As a preventive measure, you should regularly spray the currants with nettle broth or horsetail broth.

Chemical agents should not be used, as you can then no longer harvest and consume the fruit.

column grate

If rusty to orange pustules appear on the leaves in autumn, the currant is suffering from columnar rust.

This is a fungus that overwinters in nearby five-needle pines and spreads from there.

Gather any affected leaves from the shrub and soil and throw them in the garbage can. As a precaution, all pine trees within a radius of several hundred meters would have to be felled, as this is the only way to finally eradicate the fungus.

leaf fall disease

Leaf fall disease occurs mainly after a very wet spring. This fungal disease only affects white and red currants.

The leaves show brown spots, curl up and finally fall off.

The leaves must be collected and disposed of in the dustbin.

red pustular disease

Red pustule disease occurs when the leaves of the currant bush wilt and fall off in early summer. At the same time, red pustules can be seen on the bark of the shoots.

As a maintenance measure, all affected shoots must be cut. Preventive treatments with nettle decoction are helpful.

tips and tricks

Healthy currant plants are more resistant to diseases and pests than ailing ones. Ensure a good location and a sufficient supply of nutrients. Thin out the plants regularly.

Category:

Vegetable garden