Powdery mildew, caused by numerous fungal pathogens, affects a variety of trees, shrubs and plants, including all species of flowering currants. For currant bushes red currant most characteristic fungal and viral diseases. Flowering currants are susceptible to the same problems as currants grown for their fruit. If it is fruit you want for making the jellies and jams, then ensure that you actually get the fruiting – not flowering – types. The Flowering currant – Ribes sanguineum has been a plant that I have looked at and admired for its colourful beauty but never wanted to eat it due to the smell. Tuliano holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Keene State College. As the disease progresses, hairy growths, called telia develop, and the currant begins to lose leaves. If you do intend to spray them, do it at the very first sign of damage for maximum effect. Reducing plant stress, sanitation and chemical fungicidal control are common for treating Cephaleuros infections, states the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Red flowering currant is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 13′ tall, but generally ranges from 5′-7′ tall, depending on growing conditions. This disease is favored by high atmospheric humidity. Anthracnose is a fungal disease of red and white currant bushes similar to leaf spot. red currant image by Barabanschikov from Fotolia.com. It is important to care for currant bushes, as they are prone to certain diseases and can undergo invasions of insect pests. Dark berries are produced in the fall, but do not taste good and are best left for birds to enjoy. The infection can spread to the fruit, causing it to crack open. Specializing in technology, home improvement, relationships and gardening, his articles have appeared on Bestcovery and other websites. Most popular uses for Flowering Currant hedging Flowering Currant Hedges make a great wildlife friendly habitat or informal feature. Fungicides used as a soil drench may be needed to control these diseases. They are green ... being gardener-friendly isn't the only reason I appreciate our native red flowering currant. This fungal disease affects two hosts -- currant plants and white pine trees. However, the Cornell University website states that yellowing and leaf drop are common symptoms of a powdery mildew infection. A Hambidge Fellow, Lynn studied English at Columbus State University. UC IPM Online: Ribes, Currant, Gooseberry -- Ribes Spp. According to the Purdue University Extension website, currants are an easy-to-grow shrub that grows best in cool clima Powdery mildew, caused by numerous fungal pathogens, affects a variety of trees, shrubs and plants, including all species of flowering currants. Improving drainage can help prevent root rot diseases. According to the Cornell University, symptoms of a powdery mildew infection consist of visible, white fungal powder growth, circular powdery spots, leaf death and decline in shrub vigour. Cut back on fertilizing with nitrogen. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Currants and Gooseberries, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: Cephaleuros Species, the Plant-Parasitic Green Algae, Oregon State University Extension: Grow Currants and Gooseberries for Great Jams and Pies. Rust – brownish-orange blisters appear on the underside of leaves. Diseases of red currant. Powdery mildew – white velvet mold develops on all or part of the plant, most especially on leaves. Sometimes called gray mold because of the fuzzy grayish growths that develop on these spots, botrytis can kill part or all of the diseased plant. They will have small, circular, or irregular spots, of a brown-red color. Description Flowering currant is not only a Northwest native, growing extensivley from British Columbia south to northern California, but has also become popular garden shrub grown for its brightly colored and scented flowers in early spring. Diseases and pests of red currant. Minor infections rarely cause visible damage and can be treated by physically removing the fungal build-up on the leaves. Flowering currants are deciduous shrubs that produce bright-coloured flowers and edible fruits, commonly used for jellies and jams. Exposing the roots to let them dry out before covering them back up with fresh, disease-free soil may help the currant plant recover. One can draw another conclusion, despite the close relationship, black and red currants can have “their” diseases: Diseases of black currant. Consider the most common ones: currant reversal (terry); anthracnose; cup rust; septoriosis; sphere library; Currant reversion refers to viral diseases and is mainly found in black currant bushes, but recently there have been cases of red currant. According to the Purdue University website, bignay or black current tree, is susceptible to algal leaf spot, caused by the algae Cephaleuros tirescens. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. According to the Oregon State University Extension, white pines are primary hosts of the blister rust, therefore, to prevent infection, remove white pines within 1,000 feet of currant shrubs. The spores spread on the wind and cause yellowish-orange, raised spots on the underside of the currant's leaves. It is interesting to note that some diseases of the black currant are similar to those from which grapes and gooseberries suffer. It is not very demanding for watering, but is a light-loving shrub, requires regular cutting and thinning. The spores spread on the wind and cause yellowish-orange, raised spots on the underside of … Ribes (Flowering Currant) A species of evergreen/deciduous flowering and fruiting shrubs. Ornamental as well as practical, currants are an excellent choice for home gardens in northern states. Flowering currant is a reliable performer for the spring garden, blooming every year without any special care needed to be given. and rounded with 3-5 shallow lobes and deep veins lending a wrinkled appearance. Algal leaf spot or "green scurf" disease, is caused by a type of green algae, and is common in warm-weather, frequent-rain growing conditions. The flowering period of red currant begins approximately from the second half of May and lasts 6-12 days. Fungicides may help prevent or control rust. The flowering currants often have a few sprays of currant-like fruit clusters, but are not generally found to be too tasty. According to the Oregon State University Extension, white pines are primary hosts of the blister rust, therefore, to prevent infection, remove white pines within 1,000 feet of currant shrubs.