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pale raspberries #876515

Asked July 09, 2024, 1:32 PM EDT

I have summer-bearing raspberry canes. Towards the latter half of the harvest season, many berries seem to turn a milky pink color and quickly turn soft. (Some go straight to a creamy white.) Is it just too hot/sunny? Not enough water or not at the right time? Related or not, a lot of side branches seem to break at the main cane, as if they are too heavy. Earlier in the harvest season the berries are great.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, Janis.  We need clear, close up photos of the troubled berries.  We cannot tell whether it is a disease, a nutriental deficiency, or an environmental issue such as the wrong pH or sun issues.  We look forward to more information.  Thanks!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 09, 2024, 6:56 PM EDT
Hi, thanks for the quick reply.

In the enclosed picture, at left are a couple “normal” berries; at right are some sprigs with the milky-pink, already-very-soft berries I’m asking about.  Sometimes they’re a bit mottled; other times a fairly even milky pink.

Took a while to get the right lighting, and I’m still not completely satisfied.  

Let me know what other details you might need. 

Raspberries.jpeg



On Jul 9, 2024, at 3:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 11:15 AM EDT
Thanks for the photo.  There are several diseases which are linked to berry anomalies such as yours.  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/raspberry-rubus-spp-dry-berry

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/raspberry-rubus-spp-crumbly-fruit

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/raspberry-rubus-spp-powdery-mildew

Determining which yours has requires a lab diagnosis.  I suggest that you send samples to the OSU Plant clinic for examination:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-plant-materials

Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT

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