Currant anthracnose

Currant refers to a plant that is very susceptible to fungal diseases. Such plants cannot fight back. Therefore, they succumb to illness and are completely affected. Under the influence of fungi, it becomes even weaker. If currants are not cured in time, they may die. In order not to miss the moment of infection, it is necessary to carefully examine and observe the bush. The most common disease of this bush is currant anthracnose.

How does the infection take place?

Currant anthracnose: photo

In early spring, the period begins when currants are most often infected. This usually happens due to the fact that the virus has already wintered on the bush, and in early spring it wakes up and begins to act. The virus enters the plant through any damage, even the smallest.

What causes currant anthracnose?

Currant anthracnose: photo

Anthracnose is usually caused by fungal diseases of the Marsupial family. The disease begins to affect the entire surface of the plant, its foliage, branches. Red currants are the least fortunate. Because it is less resistant to anthracnose than other species. The spread of the disease occurs due to spores that fall on the currant. They settle down over time. And they have their own mycelium inside the leaves or shoots. As a rule, it will take about 12-16 days for anthracnose to get along on blackcurrant foliage. And on red currants for 5-6 days. Several generations of spores appear due to the mycelium. They will begin to show themselves in late spring. And also in the middle of summer.

Frequent rains, high humidity over 85%, average temperature of about +25 degrees - favorable conditions for the development of the disease. It is the years with such criteria that become dangerous for currants. Because there comes a period when anthracnose is spreading at an amazing speed. If the year is not very warm (17-18 degrees), with low air humidity (less than 60%), then anthracnose appears less often. And also this disease is attracted by plants that grow on soil with high acidity. And with a lack of nutrients.

How the disease spreads

Currant anthracnose: photo

The spore of this disease can spread to plants in a variety of ways. The most popular are the following paths:

• Thanks to the wind and rain.
• They are carried by insects.
• Due to the close planting and not a thorough examination, the gardener did not notice and did not cut off the leaves with the disease. They overwintered. And with the onset of spring, the disease began to act. Spread to the whole plant.

Note: Currant anthracnose usually starts from the foliage. Then he goes to the branches. And goes down below.

Currant anthracnose: symptoms of the disease

Currant anthracnose: photo

Foliage, branches, shoots are infected with anthracnose first of all. The disease rarely spreads to berries. The main signs are:

• The beginning disease is characterized by small burgundy or brown spots. They are oval. And the edge of the spot is slightly darker than the color of the spot itself. The specks at the initial stage are usually about 2 millimeters. The spots get bigger and darker every week. Soon, the entire leaf is affected and transferred to the branches. And also shoots. The affected leaves become dry. They cannot stick to the branch and fall off.
• When spores multiply with the help of mycelium, a second wave of infection may occur. It can be recognized by the black mounds. Over time, they lighten up to white. The disease begins to spread rapidly and take over the entire bush.
• Branches and shoots are also infected. They begin to become covered with spots that have a dark shade. These spots become pits on the branches after a few weeks. As if eating the flesh of the branches. These pits interfere with the good transfer of various trace elements within the plant.
• Shoots are also stained. But instead of pits, chips are formed. Then they are replaced by cracks. And if the air humidity is more than 75-80, then they begin to rot.
• In rare cases, the disease captures currant fruits. The berries begin to become covered with the smallest burgundy dots.
• When the leaves begin to fall off, the shoots also die.

What harm does anthracnose do to currants?

Currant anthracnose: photo

Red currants can be appreciated already at the beginning of June. Because anthracnose on red currants develops faster. Also, the weather is usually good at the beginning of June.

In red currants, foliage disappears immediately after infection. On black currants, as a rule, you can still see some kind of leaves. Either twisted and sick, or just young leaves. If the plant is left untreated, it will lead to a complete loss of foliage. Because neither leaves nor shoots receive the necessary elements. Stop resisting. And also to develop. The amount of the crop is reduced by 80-85%, reaching up to 100%. Berries become small with illness. They lose their taste and appearance.

Disease spores can easily overwinter on a bush. And in the spring to start again. The percentage of anthracnose remaining on the bush increases if the gardener absolutely does not care for the currants. Does not cut foliage, does not follow the bush. Sometimes, the anthracnose disappears on its own. But this happens, as a rule, very rarely. And still without much leaving the plant itself will not recover, but will die.

Note: Spores spread over the entire surface of the currant within 25-35 days. Starting from the second half of May. It is during this period that prevention should be carried out. Or already a full-fledged treatment for this disease. Because if you don't do everything on time, the second and third waves of the fungus will descend on the plant. And the cure will become almost impossible.

Currant anthracnose: treatment and preparations

Having studied the information about the symptoms of currant anthracnose, it is necessary to begin to apply measures in the fight against the disease. First you need to inspect the currants. Carefully remove any leaves that have fallen off. And also dig up the ground around the bush.

Then it is necessary to carry out processing using chemicals. Because it is precisely such funds that will help in the destruction of the disease. Each gardener chooses the drug that he will use.

• Using a solution of copper sulfate. It is used when the currant buds are still "sleeping". The leaves, shoots and soil are processed.
• Treatment with Phthalan (0.4-0.6%), Kaptan, Kuprozan (0.5%) or Bordeaux liquid (5%). This method is used for "dormant kidneys". Or 15 days after picking the fruit.
• Treatment with drugs Epin, Zircon. They are used 5-8 days before flowering. These funds are classified as fungicides. They destroy the disease. They also increase the immunity of the plant.
• If the anthracnose attacked the plant when the berries began to ripen, the treatment should be gentle. Using biological agents. For example, Gamair or Fitosporin.
• After harvesting, the bush is treated with Fundazol or Pevikur for prevention.
• After the flowering process is complete, it is best to use Bordeaux liquid (1-2%).

Note: To prevent the currants from getting used to the drugs, they are recommended to alternate periodically.

Currant anthracnose and preventive measures

Currant anthracnose: photo

Prevention in this case is proper care. And also a small treatment with drugs. Landing must be done correctly. It is necessary to monitor the pruning of currants, take care of the soil. And also to monitor the cleanliness of the soil, removing weeds and various debris. It is necessary to ensure the correct watering, which depends on the weather conditions. It is necessary to inspect the bushes to avoid infection. And also to carry out the treatment with gentle preparations. All these actions, as a rule, will help protect plants from various viruses, pests and diseases.

Prevention is carried out by means that act in different ways. It is necessary to use fungicides, for example, Tiovit, Kaptan, Cumulus, Bordeaux liquid (1-2%). These drugs are used only after flowering. And after 12-14 days after picking the fruits.

If you notice currant anthracnose by its symptoms, you must immediately remove the infected leaves and branches. And also shoots. This will prevent further spread of the disease. And also the already fallen leaves should be removed. Because they can also be infected.

Fertilizer

A plant that has good immunity is more difficult to infect. And it is usually easier to cure. To increase the immune system of currants, top dressing is used.

• To prepare the first feeding, you will need 30 grams of potassium sulfate and 20 liters of warm water. And you will also need ammonium nitrate, boric acid about 5 grams. And ferrous sulfate about 6 grams. Such fertilization will help the plant to recover and replenish its strength. Thanks to feeding, the plant will begin to develop rapidly. New leaves and shoots will appear.
• Before the buds open, top dressing is carried out using wood ash. Ash helps to increase the quantity and quality of the fruit. And also the endurance of the bush. For 5 liters of water, you will need 250 grams of ash, 30 grams of potassium sulfate, 15 grams of phosphate. And also 10 grams of sodium humate.
• Immunocytophyte has a good effect on the bush. 5 grams of the drug should be added to 5 liters of water. Then add 15 grams of phosphate and 30 grams of potassium sulfate.

Currant varieties that are resistant to anthracnose

Before planting, choose a variety that is resistant to anthracnose. The following varieties are recommended for planting: Kapiana, Altai, Exhibition, Temptation, Dove, Dressy. And also Belorusskaya, Victoria, Chulkovskaya, Krasnaya Gollandskaya, Ladushka.

Currant anthracnose: tips

Currant anthracnose: photo

Experts and experienced summer residents studied currants very carefully. And we came to the conclusion that not every bush is good for chemical treatment. Therefore, they recommend using folk methods for a start.

• At the very beginning of spring, when the buds are still dormant, the bush is treated with water. Its temperature should be slightly less than 65 degrees.
• For prevention and treatment, you can use a soap solution. To do this, rub the laundry soap. And dissolved in warm water. Then the plant is sprayed with this solution.
• Bushes can be treated with a solution of onions or garlic. For 20 liters of water, 300 grams of chopped onions or garlic are taken. The unpleasant smell of the solution will repel insects. And also to prevent the occurrence of diseases.
• Iodine can also be used. The solution of this substance must be weak. Because it can burn the leaves. And burns will appear on them. The action of iodine is very similar to that of fungicides. For 5 liters of water, 5-6 drops of the substance are taken.

Note: If you planted currants in the lowlands, drainage in the form of stones or bricks usually had to be done before planting in the ground.