Help identifying currant damage - Ask Extension
Hi - I planted a bareroot currant this spring that started out nicely but is nowshowing a bit of damage.
The middle layer of leaves has some chloro...
Knowledgebase
Help identifying currant damage #872881
Asked June 12, 2024, 9:16 PM EDT
Hi - I planted a bareroot currant this spring that started out nicely but is nowshowing a bit of damage.
The middle layer of leaves has some chlorosis and necrosis. One of the more damaged leaves has something white on its underside. I did not see this with any of the other leaves, nor anything similar on the tops of the leaves or steams.
I had a soil test elsewhere in my yard that showed no particular deficiencies and fertilized with 10-10-10 at planting so I think a nutrient deficiency is unlikely.
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
This is a red currant, Ribes rubrum.
Hi Grant! How frustrating! It appears that you have a fungus on the leaves. What was planted in that area previously?? Fungi like to overwinter on the ground or other plants & then when it starts to rain in the spring (and also from overhead watering), the spores splash up on the leaves and the infection starts.
So what do you do? Remove the leaves from the plant. Make sure you pick up on leaf debris and put it in the trash (not compost!) You can use a fungicide that is copper based to spray on the rest of the plant. Normally, it is best to start the spray before the infection but you can spray the other leaves.
If you choose to use chemicals remember that the label IS the law. You must follow all directions on the label. Please wear protective equipment i.e., gloves, long sleeves & pants, as well as eye protection and even a mask.
Some random thoughts on currants: they like full sun, well-drained, but not dry, soil with a pH of 6.4-6.8. You should start to get fruit one-to-three years after planting.
Enjoy your garden!
So what do you do? Remove the leaves from the plant. Make sure you pick up on leaf debris and put it in the trash (not compost!) You can use a fungicide that is copper based to spray on the rest of the plant. Normally, it is best to start the spray before the infection but you can spray the other leaves.
If you choose to use chemicals remember that the label IS the law. You must follow all directions on the label. Please wear protective equipment i.e., gloves, long sleeves & pants, as well as eye protection and even a mask.
Some random thoughts on currants: they like full sun, well-drained, but not dry, soil with a pH of 6.4-6.8. You should start to get fruit one-to-three years after planting.
Enjoy your garden!
Fantastic, thanks for the advice!
