fungal diseases on new blackberry plants? - Ask Extension
I purchased blackberry plants form Stark brothers. They arrived with some discoloration in a leaf (first picture). After 6 weeks the other blackberry...
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fungal diseases on new blackberry plants? #910310
Asked July 17, 2025, 9:26 PM EDT
I purchased blackberry plants form Stark brothers. They arrived with some discoloration in a leaf (first picture). After 6 weeks the other blackberry plants also have discoloration (other pictures). Are these fungal diseases and if so can you recommend a treatment? I am starting a new blackberry patch. Can these be treated or should I start with disease free plants These are disease resistant cultivars. Thanks
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
This looks like abiotic stress (not caused by a pest or disease), and might be tied to weather or the stresses of transport and not being planted in the ground yet. Fungicide can help suppress new infections for healthy growth, but will not be able to cure any existing infections. We don't see indications of disease in the photos, though minor leaf spot infections can look similar to abiotic stress, but are not concerning. Leaf spot can be quite common in conditions that keep the leaves wet for long periods, like rainy weather, irrigation that moistens the leaves, and potentially also the high humidity environment of being shipped in a box for a few days. We recommend these be planted soon so their roots can begin to get established. When they might be needed for other conditions, you can find disease management/prevention tips on our Growing Raspberries and Blackberries web page.
Miri
Miri