Raspberry: Spur blight

• Categories: Raspberry Raspberry Diseases Small Fruits
• Last review date: 2025-11-12 08:11

Biology

In early April, pin-point size black fruiting bodies (perithecia) can be found in the gray affected areas of cane tissue. The fruiting bodies release ascospores, which infect leaves on both fruiting canes and primocanes. Brown necrotic spots with yellow margins form on fruiting-cane leaves when rainy weather lasts through late spring. Infected leaves become chlorotic and drop prematurely in severe cases.

However, primocane leaves develop brown “V-shaped” lesions (with a yellow margin between the dead and living portion of leaves). The fungus then grows through the leaf stalk (petiole) and invades stem tissues around buds, turning them brown or purple. Buds on infected canes are more susceptible to winter injury, and fruiting laterals may be stunted. Infected areas become gray in winter.

Spur blight is also found on Loganberry and Youngberry. The “Willamette” cultivar of red raspberry, while susceptible, suffers little damage and is considered “tolerant”.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Remove and destroy old fruiting canes after harvest.
• Keep plant rows narrow.
• Practice good weed control.
• Control early primocane growth.
• Plant resistant or tolerant cultivars.

Chemical Management

• Spray at bloom or when shoots are 8 to 10 inches long.
• Repeat applications according to label instructions.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Captan 50% WP Fruit and Ornamental
  Active ingredient: captan
  EPA registration number: 4-459
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.