This article deals with 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
Birds: birds often feed on the fruit crop.[1] Redcurrants are a particular favourite of blackbirds in the UK.[2] Whitecurrants and late ripening redcurrant cultivars are eaten less by birds.[1] They may also damage buds. Nets can be used to cover the bushes over winter to prevent this.[3]
Aphids:[3] the Redcurrant Blister Aphid can cause large red "blisters" on the leaves of redcurrants in summer.[2] It can also occur on whitecurrants, with less frequency.[2] In blackcurrants this species of aphid causes yellow blisters.[2] The pale yellow aphid colonies are located on the undersurface of the leaves and appear in spring and early summer.[2] Plants should be checked regularly and sprayed with a organic control if any signs appear (see: Organic pesticides).[2] Alternatively, in late June sideshoot tips can be removed[2] (currants will require yearly pruning anyway to maximize yield).
Sawfly Larvae:[3]
Grey Mould (Botrytis):[3]
Coral Spot:[3]
References
See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Crawford, M (2016). Creating a Forest Garden: working with nature to grow edible crops. Green Books. ISBN 9781900322621.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Titchmarsh, A (2008). The kitchen gardener : grow your own fruit and veg. London BBC. ISBN 9781846072017.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Brickell, C; Royal Horticultural Society (2012). Encyclopedia of Gardening. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 9781409364658.