Gooseberry scab

Scab is a disease that affects fruit trees, berry bushes and vegetables. Gooseberry bushes often fall prey to scab. Each culture has different causative agents, but the manifestations of the disease are similar and have a pronounced character. Scabs are spread by pathogenic microbes and fungal spores. There are also a number of factors affecting its appearance and distribution. In this article, we will consider in detail what constitutes a scab on a gooseberry.

Gooseberry scab: photo of the disease

It is important to notice the scab on the gooseberry in time, choose the correct and effective method of control, since the scab on the gooseberry is a great danger to the plant. We must remember the importance of preventive maintenance, timely processing of gooseberries is also of great importance. They will help not only save the bush, but also preserve the harvest.

The scab on gooseberries is most widespread in the middle lane, where a temperate climate prevails. In areas with high humidity and low temperatures.

Why is this happening?

There are several reasons:

• In winter, fallen leaves and unharvested fruits become the habitat of pathogens. With the onset of spring, bacteria settle on young leaves and shoots.
• The second stage of infection occurs when the temperature rises above fifteen degrees Celsius. Approximately on the fifteenth or twentieth day.

How does gooseberry scab manifest itself?

Gooseberry scab: photo of the disease

The scab appears on the gooseberry in the form of spots of an unusual greenish hue, which eventually darken and become rough.

Signs of scab on gooseberries:

• The fruits change shape.
• The bush loses leaves ahead of time.
• Dark rough spots on leaves and fruits.

Gooseberry scab: causes of the disease

Gooseberry, as a species, has a weak immune system. And some varieties are especially excluded by this. To prevent scab on gooseberries, it is necessary to prune the bushes and monitor the density of the planting. Because crowding and poor ventilation of plants contributes to the spread of scab. Humidity and shade are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria and fungal spores.

The main danger of gooseberry scab is for the crop. In case of damage to the shrub, the fruits lose their usual appearance, size and shape. Their usefulness decreases, taste properties deteriorate. In addition to fruits, the disease affects leaves and young shoots. For the plant itself, the scab is not very dangerous, but the growth of the bush is inhibited.

Gooseberry scab: how to fight?

When choosing a way to deal with gooseberry scab, one must take into account the season, the degree of damage and the age of the plant. There are two areas: folk remedies and chemicals.

Application of fungicides.

Practice has shown that chemical preparations give better results in the fight against scab. This is due to the content of biological components or copper in them. There are several guidelines for their use.

• The preparations are diluted with water in the required proportions and the plant is processed.
• Safety precautions must be observed when working with chemicals.
• Be sure to use protective equipment and do not allow the drug or solution to get on the mucous membranes.
• Exclude contact of children and animals with the solution.
• After processing, the crop can only be harvested after fourteen to sixteen days.
• To increase the effectiveness of the drug, it is necessary to spray in cloudy weather or in the evening.

The most common drugs.

There are several of them.

A drug called rak for gooseberry scab

Raek, an antifungal drug. The main advantage is the duration of the effect. Processing is carried out in two stages, the first during flowering. Second in fifteen days. The possibility of re-infection of the plant is minimal.

A drug called phytosporin-m from gooseberry scab

Fitosporin-M, an antifungal drug. We carry out the treatments several times, during the flowering period (before and after) and during the formation of the fruit. Another positive effect is the strengthening of the plant's immunity and growth stimulation.

A drug called fast from gooseberry scab

Speed The drug is a broad spectrum of action, destroys various pathogens. At the same time, it is quite safe for plants. Therefore, it can be used twice a month, regardless of the period of the plant's life.

A drug called Bordeaux liquid.

Bordeaux liquid. The solution is obtained by mixing water, lime and copper sulfate. This is a simple and reliable way to deal with scab. The prepared solution can be considered effective for up to twenty five to thirty days.

Fighting gooseberry scab using folk methods

Such methods are environmentally friendly and also have a place to be. Folk methods have always been widespread and have a number of advantages. Safety for people and animals, efficiency and availability of components, ease of preparation and use have ensured the people's love for these methods.

Brine.

Brine. Dissolve a pack of salt in a bucket of water, the solution is ready. It is advisable to avoid getting it on the soil, so as not to spoil the properties of the earth.

Mustard solution for scab on gooseberries

Mustard solution. You will need a hundred grams of mustard powder and eight to ten liters of clean water at room temperature, mix everything.

Horsetail infusion for gooseberry scab

Horsetail infusion, prepare as follows. We fill the bucket with horsetail thirty percent, fill the rest with water and leave it warm for three days. We filter before spraying.

Wood ash for gooseberry scab

Wood ash can be used in many ways. You can sprinkle it on a bush. And you can pour two hundred grams of ash and five liters of water, carefully move and leave to infuse for twenty-four hours. The solution is ready. Ash should be after clean wood, that is, not painted, not glued, not varnished.

Preventive measures.

Prevention. The importance of preventive measures must not be forgotten. This will help protect plants from various types of diseases, including gooseberry scab. There are several guidelines.

• It is necessary to prune the shrub on time.
• In the spring, apply nitrogen compounds that stimulate plant growth.
• In the summer and autumn periods, use phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
• In general, each and every type of fertilizer has a positive effect on the condition of the shrub.
• We must not forget about mulching the soil and loosening.
• Observe the watering regime and prevent the accumulation of excess moisture, which affects the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
• Work should be started immediately after the snow melts.

Conclusion.

What types of processing to give preference to, it is up to gardeners to decide. These are folk methods or modern ones, in what state the plant is.All these measures will help you grow healthy plants, avoid gooseberry scab and reap a good harvest.