Currant, Gooseberry: Powdery mildew
categories: Currant/Gooseberry Currant/Gooseberry Diseases Small Fruits
revision date: 2022-12-06 12:00
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Biology
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease. Characteristic white patches of powdery fungal growth develop on shoots, fruit, and either or both sides of the leaves. Infected tissues are often stunted and distorted, and infected leaves may drop prematurely. On the berries, the fungal patches turn rusty brown as they age. Infected berries are typically smaller than normal, with rough, cracked surfaces. The fungus probably overwinters on twigs and infected plant debris and possibly also in buds. Disease development is favored by cool, rainy weather in the spring and early summer.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Space plantings and prune to provide good air circulation and reduce humidity.
- Provide proper culture.
- Clean up plant debris. Prune out and destroy/discard (do not compost) diseased plant materials.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Make a sulfur product application at pre-bloom (just before blossoms are ready to open), a second application at full bloom, and a third application 2 weeks later.
- NOTE: Lilly Miller Sulfur Dust is registered for use on GOOSEBERRY ONLY.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.