Fungal

Cane Spot

A fungal disease causing small purple-centred elliptical spots on raspberry and loganberry canes that enlarge into pale-centred cankers, sometimes girdling the cane.

Symptoms to Look For

Small purple spots on young canes in spring, enlarging with pale centres
Spots joining to form cankers that crack and girdle the cane
Fruiting laterals withering above a girdling canker

Affected Plants

RaspberryLoganberry

Organic Solutions

Pruning

Cut out and destroy all spotted canes immediately after fruiting; do not leave old canes standing into the following season.

Copper spray

Apply copper fungicide at bud burst as a protective treatment, particularly in wet springs.

Prevention

Maintain good spacing between canes to improve airflow and reduce leaf-to-cane wetness duration
Avoid overhead irrigation which wets canes and promotes spore germination

Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.