Blackcurrants

[ElizaDParticipant]

Does anyone know why the new leaves on my Blackcurrants bush are shrivelling and drying to a crisp? There appears to be no insect present when I check the dried leaves and the very new leaf growth now coming on looks ok at present – don’t know if they will succumb too or if the shoots are growing out of the problem.

[charlesModerator]

Sorry to hear this Eliza, it sounds like big bud, a terminal disease I think. Usually on older bushes say 6+ years of age – try a google of big bud.

[ElizaDParticipant]

Thank you Charles. I have googled and don’t think it is big bud. I have one older and one younger bush and the younger is the one with the new leaf problem. But it is fruiting ok. I plan to dig the bush up and check the roots later on, maybe vine weevil grubs have been at play. I get them on the strawberries (mostly in pots) and I’ve given up on the organic control -just too expensive. The pesky adults just wander back in from other gardens in any case. I just squash grubs and adults on sight and have the occasional search at night to deal with these very annoying critters. Will let you know.

[Author]

Posts