Foliar anthracnose of Gooseberry and Currant

Drepanopeziza ribis

Cause. Drepanopeziza ribis (asexual: Gloeosporidiella ribis), a fungus that overwinters on dead leaves. Small, mushroom-like fruiting bodies (apothecia) develop on fallen leaves in spring. They produce airborne ascospores that infect newly developing leaves. Rainy weather favors spore release and infection. Different fruiting bodies (acervuli) are produced in 3 to 4 weeks after ascospore infection. Acervuli produce conidia, which are rain splashed and infect healthy leaves. The disease is serious in wet seasons. Older leaves of black currant were shown to be more susceptible to infection than younger leaves.
Symptoms. Small, dark-brown, round or irregular leaf spots develop, which, when abundant, may cause foliage to yellow and drop by midseason. Small, grayish bodies (acervuli) develop in leaf lesions. The disease reduces the plant's vitality, growth, and productiveness.
On currants, fruit as well as leaves may show spotting like fly specks. Severely infected berries crack open and drop.

Plant Protection Products