An integrated disease-management program for controlling raspberry and blackberry diseases integrates the use of all available control methods into one program. The use of fungicides for control of several important diseases can be a major part of the overall disease-management program, but the use of various cultural practices is perhaps even more important in obtaining effective disease control. Furthermore, many important bramble diseases cannot be controlled by fungicides; thus, their control is almost completely dependent upon the use of cultural practices. An effective disease-management program for brambles must emphasize the integrated use of specific cultural practices, knowledge of the pathogen and disease biology, use of disease-resistant varieties, and timely applications of fungicides when needed.
Fungicides can play an important role in the disease-management program; however, increasing emphasis is being placed on minimizing the overall use of fungicides while maximizing their benefits. Thus, the objective of the disease-management program is to provide a commercially acceptable level of disease control on a consistent (year-to-year) basis, with minimal fungicide use.
It is important for growers to be able to recognize the major bramble diseases. Proper disease identification is critical to making the correct disease-management decisions. In addition, growers should develop a basic understanding of pathogen biology and disease cycles for the major bramble diseases. The more you know about the disease, the better equipped you will be to make sound and effective management decisions.
The literature listed here contains color photographs of disease symptoms on brambles, as well as in-depth information on pathogen biology and disease development. These publications contain excellent color photographs and information about insect pests as well.
Compendium of Raspberry and Blackberry Diseases and Insects. Published by the American Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Rd., St. Paul, MN 55121. Phone 612-454-7250. This is the most comprehensive book on bramble diseases and insects available. All commercial growers should have a copy. Cost is $37 plus $5 postage ($42) within the United States. 100 pages.
Bramble Production Guide. This is a very comprehensive book covering most phases of bramble production. It can be purchased from: Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY 14853. Phone 607-255-7654. Cost is $38 plus $7 for U.S. postage ($45). 189 pages.
Publications containing information on pest management and chemical-control
recommendations for disease, insects, and weeds of brambles in Ohio are listed
next. They are available within Ohio through your county Extension agent or
may be ordered directly from: Media Distribution, Ohio State University Extension,
2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1044. Phone 614-292-1607. Please call for
current prices and shipping costs.
Midwest Small Fruit Pest Management Handbook. Bulletin 681. 175 pages.
Ohio Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide. Bulletin 506-B2. 38
pp.
A description of symptoms and causal organisms for the most common raspberry and blackberry diseases in Ohio is presented here.