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This article is about Ribes rubrum, commonly termed Redcurrant (Red currant). Whitecurrant (White currant) refers to the same species, but only to cultivars with white-coloured fruit. Red and white currants are discussed in this article.
Blackcurrant refers to a different specis, Ribes nigrum, which is discussed in a separate article (See: Blackcurrant).
Problems[edit | edit source]
Birds: Birds are likely to cause most problems.[1] Birds often feed on the fruit crop.[2] Redcurrants are a particular favourite of blackbirds in the UK.[3] Whitecurrants and late ripening redcurrant cultivars are eaten less by birds.[2] They may also damage buds.[4] Nets can be used to cover the bushes over winter to prevent this.[4]
Aphids:[4] the Redcurrant Blister Aphid can cause large red "blisters" on the leaves of redcurrants in summer.[3] It can also occur on whitecurrants, with less frequency.[3] In blackcurrants this species of aphid causes yellow blisters.[3] The pale yellow aphid colonies are located on the undersurface of the leaves and appear in spring and early summer.[3] Plants should be checked regularly and sprayed with a organic control if any signs appear (see: Organic pesticides).[3] Alternatively, in late June sideshoot tips can be removed[3] (currants will require yearly pruning anyway to maximize yield). These RHS sources have more detail on currants with aphids.[1][2]
Blackcurrant Gall Mites: Can also be a problem for redcurrants and whitecurrants.[1]
Sawfly Larvae:[4]
Grey Mould (Botrytis):[4]
Coral Spot:[4] Can affect branches.[1]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bird, R (2011). A practical guide to growing vegetables fruit & herbs. Hermes House. ISBN 9781843098324.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Crawford, M (2016). Creating a Forest Garden: working with nature to grow edible crops. Green Books. ISBN 9781900322621.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Titchmarsh, A (2008). The kitchen gardener: grow your own fruit and veg. London BBC. ISBN 9781846072017.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Brickell, C; Royal Horticultural Society (2012). Encyclopedia of Gardening. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 9781409364658.
