Currant, Gooseberry: Anthracnose (Leaf spot)
categories: Currant/Gooseberry Currant/Gooseberry Diseases Small Fruits
revision date: 2022-12-06 12:00
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Anthracnose is a fungal disease affecting the leaves of currants and gooseberries. Leaves show small, round or irregularly-shaped spots on the upper or lower surfaces. The spots are usually dark brown in color and may develop tiny, gray fungal structures in the centers. Severely affected leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely. The leaf loss can weaken plants and reduce yields. Currant fruit may also show spotting. On fruit, the spots are tiny and resemble flyspecks. Severely infected berries crack open and drop. The fungus is spread from infected to healthy leaves by splashing water and overwinters in fallen leaves. Disease development is favored by wet spring weather.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Avoid overhead watering.
- Space plantings and prune to provide good air circulation and reduce humidity.
- Rake fallen leaves from beneath plants. Destroy or discard (do not compost) diseased plant materials. Cultivation to bury diseased leaves may also be effective.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Begin applications when the first leaf reaches full size.
- Make applications until dry weather prevails in summer.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.