As an ornamental and berry crop, gooseberry has long been known both in Europe, where it was often used to create impenetrable thorny hedges, and in Russia, where its folk selection has been carried out for centuries. Previously an almost obligatory attribute of landowners' estates, this culture is gaining more and more popularity, conquering modern garden plots. Moreover, there are more and more opportunities to choose a variety to taste, even without thorns. The gooseberry is little affected by the disease, and its care is the same as for the currant (it is described below). The main thing is that everything is done in due time. And now more.
Gooseberries. Diseases and their treatment: a few secrets of gardeners
Although the gooseberry is considered an unpretentious crop, following some rules will reduce the possibility of diseases and pests. So, when choosing a landing site, it is better to prefer:
- open sunny place, protected from strong wind;
- loamy (or sandy) soils subject to periodic loosening and fertilization;
- low groundwater level (not higher than one and a half meters) and low acidity;
- the distance between the bushes is at least a meter, and the nearest trees are at least two.
Gooseberries. Diseases and their treatment: prevention of diseases in plants
The soil in the selected area must be cleared of weeds. In addition, gooseberries should not be planted after currants or raspberries due to common pests that can persist in plant debris for some time. Measures for the necessary care are as follows:
- top dressing and watering (under the bush) only as needed (excessive moisture stimulates the development of fungal diseases);
- cleansing the soil from weeds (one of the preventive pest control measures);
- obligatory pruning during dormancy (late autumn or early spring).
Quality pruning contributes to the full coverage of the bush by the sun, which in turn prevents the development of fungal diseases. The lower branches should not lie on the ground, but should be located on special props. The fight against gooseberry diseases should begin with preparing the soil for planting. Since almost all diseases and pests of shrubs are similar to those of currants, when signs of damage to one of the crops appear, the necessary measures should be taken with another type of garden plants. For prevention, it is imperative to collect and burn foliage andcut shoots, especially if there are signs of damage.
Gooseberries: diseases and their treatment
Gooseberries can be affected by fungal diseases: dark brown spots on the leaves (anthracnose); white coating on any parts of the plant (spheroteca); powdery mildew; grayish-round spots (septoria). In these cases, a good result is the use of copper oxychloride, iron, Bordeaux mixture. And you can choose resistant varieties. Pest infestation is more likely if the soil under the bushes is not dug up, but this work should be done every autumn. From pest caterpillars, most often early spring spraying is carried out (Karbofos, Iskra, Fitoverm preparations) in accordance with the instructions, which are repeated as necessary. These are the diseases that affect gooseberries. And their treatment lies in the proper care and timely processing of the bushes.
