Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

For the past 3 years my goosegogs have had a coating of powdery white
mildew type fungus. This is killed off by a spraying of fungicide, but
the residue make the gooseberries rather unappealing.
Obviously this is an ongoing problem, and occurs on 2 8yo bushes,bought
at the same time, planted around 30 yards apart.

To cure this, is it best to just pull them up, and replant new stock in
a different position, or is it likely to be a fault with the plants
position in the garden, or something in the soil?

Thanks
Alan.
--
To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'.

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Jul 23, 8:31 am, (A.Lee) wrote:
For the past 3 years my goosegogs have had a coating of powdery white
mildew type fungus. This is killed off by a spraying of fungicide, but
the residue make the gooseberries rather unappealing.

American powdery mildew. You can spray with various fungicides and
prune the bushes to open them out and let more air in. Mine suffered
from it very badly last year (unsprayed) but have a decent crop this
year with one spraying of appropriate systemic fungicide early in the
season. Red dessert goosegogs about ready now.

Obviously this is an ongoing problem, and occurs on 2 8yo bushes,bought
at the same time, planted around 30 yards apart.

You could try Jostaberries instead (gooseberry-blackcurrant cross).
Mine don't seem to have any problems with mildew. The birds will eat
every last one if given a chance though.

To cure this, is it best to just pull them up, and replant new stock in
a different position, or is it likely to be a fault with the plants
position in the garden, or something in the soil?

Tidy up leaf litter underneath mulch with good compost, prune to an
open shape and spray early on to prevent it getting a hold and you
should be alright. I pick any off that show signs of atack. I don't
like spraying food crops in my garden unless it is absolutely
necessary.

Regards,
Martin Brown

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:31:33 +0100, (A.Lee) wrote:
For the past 3 years my goosegogs have had a coating of powdery white
mildew type fungus. This is killed off by a spraying of fungicide, but
the residue make the gooseberries rather unappealing.

Spray with dilute washing soda.
knocks the mildew on the head, washes off in the next rain.

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:31:33 +0100
(A.Lee) wrote:

For the past 3 years my goosegogs have had a coating of powdery white
mildew type fungus. This is killed off by a spraying of fungicide, but
the residue make the gooseberries rather unappealing.
Obviously this is an ongoing problem, and occurs on 2 8yo bushes,bought
at the same time, planted around 30 yards apart.

To cure this, is it best to just pull them up, and replant new stock in
a different position, or is it likely to be a fault with the plants
position in the garden, or something in the soil?


I ripped mine out last year for this reason -- and they were quite old.

The powdery mildew never stopped them from making fine preserves,
but was uncontrollable. My plan is to replace with resistant varieties.
I believe "Invecta" is one, can't remember off hand.

-E
--
Emery Davis
You can reply to ecom
by removing the well known companies
Questions about wine? Visit http://winefaq.hostexcellence.com

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"Emery Davis" wrote in message
...

The powdery mildew never stopped them from making fine preserves,

Or even for stewing or pies, in my experience. It rubs off very easily.

Mary

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:11:43 +0100
"Mary Fisher" wrote:


"Emery Davis" wrote in message
...

The powdery mildew never stopped them from making fine preserves,

Or even for stewing or pies, in my experience. It rubs off very easily.


Most of the time. Sometimes it settles into a sort of black sludge though.
And infected berries seem to be smaller.

I see I wasn't very careful in the previous post, and implied I pulled mine
out because of the mildew. Mostly was because of age, I believe they
were about 20-25 years old. Also we put a low stone wall along the
drive, which they impeded somewhat. Had they been super croppers I
would have kept, though.

-E
--
Emery Davis
You can reply to ecom
by removing the well known companies
Questions about wine? Visit http://winefaq.hostexcellence.com

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:52:16 +0200, Emery Davis wrote:
I see I wasn't very careful in the previous post, and implied I pulled mine
out because of the mildew. Mostly was because of age, I believe they
were about 20-25 years old. Also we put a low stone wall along the
drive, which they impeded somewhat. Had they been super croppers I
would have kept, though.

I'm glad you clarified that ! Because I was very surprised that anyone
would do that on account of mildew which is so easily controlled.

But now I am puzzled because 20-25 is no age at all for gooseberries,
we have been here 30y and the goosberry bushes were already here when
we arrived.

when I checked my book
(The Winemakers Garden by Duncan Gillespie)
about that washing soda treatment in my other post I found that he
says
"They are long lived - plantations of Careless are still cropping
after 60 years"

My wife tells me that these we have are Careless also.
So if yours are not super croppers perhaps they are not Careless :-)

I dont know if they are resistant or just that we have been lucky, we
have had mildew in only 2 of those years, in the wet southwest.

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:37:07 GMT
(WaltA) wrote:

[]
But now I am puzzled because 20-25 is no age at all for gooseberries,
we have been here 30y and the goosberry bushes were already here when
we arrived.


Walt, I was under the impression that they weren't long lived, and based my
estimate of age on that. They were already gnarly but cropped well still when
we bought the house 15 years ago. In fact they might well have been 60.
Not sure where I had my impression from, but suspect I read it somewhere
(which does not necessarily imply reliability.) I wonder if anyone else can
weigh in with information on the useful lifetime.

One thing I'll wager on, they weren't "Careless!" Almost certainly layered
from another local plant.

cheers,

-E



--
Emery Davis
You can reply to ecom
by removing the well known companies
Questions about wine? Visit http://winefaq.hostexcellence.com

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

There are now a number of varieties that are resistant to American
Gooseberry Mildew
Hamamakki Red, Yellow and Gold
Hino Red
Invicta
Pax
Greenfinch
Jubilee (also known as Careless Jubilee - telling a little of its
parentage)
are but a few
www.agroforestry.co.uk lists a number of these

If you want to stay with traditional fruit that does get it, pruning
to encourage air movement is one important task, but also consider why
it occurs. The mildew typically happens when the air around the plant
is damp, so avoid damp shady locations, keep the ground beneath the
bush clear of weeds and other plants (turf or meadow plants) and train
the bush so that the branches do not weep downwards and restrict
growth (something that Invicta does). Also don't plant too close
together. THe fungus sheds its spores in the autumn so good hygiene
beneath the bush is important, removing any mulch (which will also
help limit over wintering sawfly)

Treatments have been suggested but the mildew does wash off with a bit
of rubbing.

Good luck

Clifford
Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:23:34 -0700, Martin Brown
wrote:

snipped
... On Jul 23, 8:31 am, (A.Lee) wrote:
... For the past 3 years my goosegogs have had a coating of powdery white
... mildew type fungus. This is killed off by a spraying of fungicide, but
... the residue make the gooseberries rather unappealing.
...
... American powdery mildew. You can spray with various fungicides and
... prune the bushes to open them out and let more air in.
...
... Regards,
... Martin Brown

Whilst we are on the subject .... When should you prune currant bushes
and apple trees .... ?
Thanks

Mike P

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:18:25 +0100, Mike P mike@askme wrote:

... On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 01:23:34 -0700, Martin Brown
... wrote:
...
... snipped
... .. On Jul 23, 8:31 am, (A.Lee) wrote:
... .. For the past 3 years my goosegogs have had a coating of powdery white
... .. mildew type fungus. This is killed off by a spraying of fungicide, but
... .. the residue make the gooseberries rather unappealing.
... ..
... .. American powdery mildew. You can spray with various fungicides and
... .. prune the bushes to open them out and let more air in.
... ..
... .. Regards,
... .. Martin Brown
...
... Whilst we are on the subject .... When should you prune currant bushes
... and apple trees .... ?
... Thanks
...
... Mike P

I mean ... what time of year ?

Mike P

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

In article , Mike P
mike@askme.? writes
..
.. Whilst we are on the subject .... When should you prune currant bushes
.. and apple trees .... ?
.. Thanks
..
.. Mike P

I mean ... what time of year ?

I don't grow soft fruit bushes so really have no idea but my apple trees
get pruned when I think they need it.

Expert opinion varies on exactly when you should prune but seems to fall
into two camps, that of pruning for fruit and that of pruning for
development.

Logically I should side with those expert on pruning for shape. I regard
the tree part of my apple trees as little more than large bonsai and so
will snip and occasionally saw bits away when it offends my opinion of
what constitutes beauty with no though to the date on the calendar or
the height of the midday sun. I get apples sufficient for my needs
(most years) and my trees look pleasing to me and I seem to be totally
at odds with all the experts.


--
steve auvache
A Bloo one with built in safety features

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:32:28 +0200, Emery Davis& I wrote:
But now I am puzzled because 20-25 is no age at all for gooseberries,
we have been here 30y and the goosberry bushes were already here when
we arrived.

Walt, I was under the impression that they weren't long lived, and based my
estimate of age on that. They were already gnarly but cropped well still when
we bought the house 15 years ago. In fact they might well have been 60.

Not sure where I had my impression from, but suspect I read it somewhere
(which does not necessarily imply reliability.)

Yes indeed, and by the same token, I only have that one book ref. to
hand at the mo.
( I've not exhaustively studied gooseberry literature !)
but it is in line with our own statistical sample (!) of one :) that
after 30y they still seem to crop just the same, some good years and
some poor years.

BTW. that washing soda treatment is good for onion foliage mildew as
well !

I wonder if anyone else can
weigh in with information on the useful lifetime.

I would be interested also.

and now that I have a bit more leisure time to spare,
what were the species used in those 'giant gooseberry' competitions of
yesteryear ? That could be fun, in a sorta way ! ;)

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

what were the species used in those 'giant gooseberry' competitions

Ooops, I meant, of course, varieties not species !

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"Emery Davis" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:11:43 +0100
"Mary Fisher" wrote:


"Emery Davis" wrote in message
...

The powdery mildew never stopped them from making fine preserves,

Or even for stewing or pies, in my experience. It rubs off very easily.


Most of the time. Sometimes it settles into a sort of black sludge
though.

Oh, I haven't experienced that :-(

And infected berries seem to be smaller.

Perhaps - but we don't know how big they would have been if they hadn't had
the mildew :-)

I see I wasn't very careful in the previous post, and implied I pulled
mine
out because of the mildew.

Yes, I thought you had.

Mostly was because of age, I believe they
were about 20-25 years old. Also we put a low stone wall along the
drive, which they impeded somewhat. Had they been super croppers I
would have kept, though.

We moved ours last year to a site where it would get more sun but it hasn't
been any better. We're gong to move it - and the currants - back so that we
can have a dedicated site to build a proper cage. I think our gooseberry
could be thirty years old, come to think of it ... perhaps we should
consider a new one.

Mary

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"Emery Davis" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:37:07 GMT
(WaltA) wrote:

[]
But now I am puzzled because 20-25 is no age at all for gooseberries,
we have been here 30y and the goosberry bushes were already here when
we arrived.


Walt, I was under the impression that they weren't long lived, and based
my
estimate of age on that. They were already gnarly but cropped well still
when
we bought the house 15 years ago. In fact they might well have been 60.
Not sure where I had my impression from, but suspect I read it somewhere
(which does not necessarily imply reliability.) I wonder if anyone else
can
weigh in with information on the useful lifetime.

One thing I'll wager on, they weren't "Careless!" Almost certainly
layered
from another local plant.

cheers,

I'm encouraged now :-)

Ours is Careless.

Mary

-E



--
Emery Davis
You can reply to ecom
by removing the well known companies
Questions about wine? Visit http://winefaq.hostexcellence.com

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

For Mike regarding when to prune currants and apples.

Currants
Blackcurrants fruit on previous years wood (though they do fruit on
older wood more productive on younger wood), so the system of pruning
is a renewal system. Generally prunned in the autumn or after
harvest. Remove one third of the older wood. Removing the older wood
often means removing some new wood. If the overall amount of old wood
to be removed is less than the new wood, leave it in place. The aim
should be to produce an open centered bush.
Redcurrants
Redcurrant bushes are pruned in a manner similar to gooseberries, in
that they fruit on spurs on older wood. The aim here should be to
keep a clear leg of trunk of around 4-6 inches, though I have to say
that prior to the removal of the fruit garden at Harlow Carr, there
where four bushes successfully growing as multi stemmed bushes. It
works so long as there is good ventilation. Again, an open centered
bush is the aim. In the dormat period, leaders are cut back by half
and laterals reduced to two buds.

As for your apples I take it that your tree may be an age and in need
of renovation (as opposed to a young tree which needs pruning to
develope a structure. The two techniques are different) - Here are a
few steps to take.
..
First, this kind of pruning is done when the tree is dormant and
there
is no hard cold spell that could damage the exposed tissues (If its
too cold to stand out side its too cold to prune is the basic
tennant). Secondly
if there is a lot do do, then the work should be spread over at least
two, preferably more, winters. As the tree is of an age, be careful
as

to what is safe to stand on if you are climbing it.
..
1. As with any pruning remove any dead, dieing or damaged branches.
Think larger banches rather than the fine growth, those that need a
saw
rather than seceteurs. For the most part you will be cutting back to
healthy growth.
2. Remove branches that are growing the wrong way - they want to bee
going outwards not back into the crown of the tree.
3. Next are the crossing branches, here you need to stand back and
look at the tree from several positions to descide which branch to
remove.
4. Deal with branches that are too high, too low and too spreading.
Having done all this you will start to have a framework to work with.
5. Then it is a question of overcrowding. This is the enemy -
congestion limits light and air flow.
6. To help prevent fungal infections spreading, paint over large
wounds with a fungicidal paint such as Medo, available from good
garden
centres.


The best advice I can give is to take your time, follow the steps in
order. Yes you are likely to go around the tree a few / several
times,
but by following the steps you avoid being too drastic and being left
with a stump.


Winter pruning encourages growth, so don't be suprised to see lots of
new growth next season. Come summer, the new growth can be thinned
to
select new branches.


It will probably take three to five years to get the tree into shape


The RHS has a leaflet - which can be found at
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile...fruit_tree.asp

Good luck
Clifford
Batry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

WaltA
The big gooseberries used in competitions are often selected types,
but some of the large berried types include:
Admiral Beatty, Angler, Berry's Early Giant, Bobby, Broom Girl,
Champion, Colossal, Dan's Mistake, Edith Cavell, Fredonia, Guido,
Gunner, Lloyd George, London, Lord Derby, Montgomery, Roaring Lion and
Telegraph.
Leveller can produce large berries. The secret is thinning and feed.
Thin the fruit and remember that main nutrient that they need is
potash. So either apply as chemical feed or mulch a bush with pleanty
of manure (not if this is the intention train the leg of the bush more
so as not to restrict air flow). Applications of seaweed meal and/or
comfrey can help in delivring potash.
As for a source of these plants - you could try Rougham Hall Nurseries
who hold the national collection. RV Rogers in Pickering North
Yorkshire grow a good range of gooseberry plants also.

Good Luck
Clifford

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 06:05:25 -0700, cliff_the_gardener
wrote:

WaltA
The big gooseberries used in competitions are often selected types,
but some of the large berried types include:
Admiral Beatty, Angler, Berry's Early Giant, Bobby, Broom Girl,
Champion, Colossal, Dan's Mistake, Edith Cavell, Fredonia, Guido,
Gunner, Lloyd George, London, Lord Derby, Montgomery, Roaring Lion and
Telegraph.
Leveller can produce large berries. The secret is thinning and feed.
Thin the fruit and remember that main nutrient that they need is
potash. So either apply as chemical feed or mulch a bush with pleanty
of manure (not if this is the intention train the leg of the bush more
so as not to restrict air flow). Applications of seaweed meal and/or
comfrey can help in delivring potash.
As for a source of these plants - you could try Rougham Hall Nurseries
who hold the national collection. RV Rogers in Pickering North
Yorkshire grow a good range of gooseberry plants also.

Good Luck
Clifford

Many thanks for that, most interesting.
And I've made note of the two suppliers because I must get some other
varieties planted.
My present ones are usually ready to pick in the middle of Wimbledon,
which means that 1st assistant chief picker goes AWOL frequently :-))

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

WaltA
Disapearing labour force... need bigger ball and chain!
Why do people want to go on holiday when there is fruit to be
harvested, and plant to be prunned and.......
My sympathy
Clifford

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 05:43:25 -0700, cliff_the_gardener
wrote:

... For Mike regarding when to prune currants and apples.


snipped
...
... Good luck
... Clifford
... Batry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
/snipped

Thank you very much for the info.

Mike P

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:52:10 -0700, cliff_the_gardener wrote:
Lord Derby

Sounds promising :-
Season: Early August
Type: Dessert/Culinary
Fruit size: Very large

From RVRoger's list,
that should get it well clear of the Wimbledon zone !

Disapearing labour force... need bigger ball and chain!

Oh yes, I'd forgotten those, can they be grown from seed in our
climate :-?)

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"cliff_the_gardener" wrote in message
ups.com...
WaltA
Disapearing labour force... need bigger ball and chain!
Why do people want to go on holiday when there is fruit to be
harvested, and plant to be prunned and.......
My sympathy
Clifford

Why do peole want to go on holiday anyway when they have a garden!

Mary

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

WaltA
If you want a named variety it needs to come from a cutting. Yes you
can grow from seed - just do not know what the result will be and it
will take longer to come into fruit.
I have purchased a number of rooted cuttings (around 10inches in
length) from Rogers because I can train them into the style of plant
that suits me (single or multiple cordon or bush).
Regards
Clifford

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:16:32 -0700, cliff_the_gardener wrote:
WaltA
If you want a named variety it needs to come from a cutting. Yes you
can grow from seed - just do not know what the result will be and it
will take longer to come into fruit.
I have purchased a number of rooted cuttings (around 10inches in
length) from Rogers because I can train them into the style of plant
that suits me (single or multiple cordon or bush).
Regards
Clifford

Yes, Ive raised cuttings for extra bushes from my own plants

BUT :-
bit of a misunnerstanding here Cliff !

I quoted Disapearing labour force... need bigger ball and chain!

then said Oh yes, I'd forgotten those,

meaning the ball&chain

then can they be grown from seed in our
climate :-?)

meaning the ball&chain again :-))))

sry ! poor joke, I know

I wont give up the day job ;-)

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On 26/7/07 13:58, in article
, "Mary Fisher"
wrote:


"cliff_the_gardener" wrote in message
ups.com...
WaltA
Disapearing labour force... need bigger ball and chain!
Why do people want to go on holiday when there is fruit to be
harvested, and plant to be prunned and.......
My sympathy
Clifford

Why do peole want to go on holiday anyway when they have a garden!

Mary

To look at other gardens and to broaden the mind.


--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
(remove weeds from address)
'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.'

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"WaltA" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:16:32 -0700, cliff_the_gardener wrote:
WaltA
If you want a named variety it needs to come from a cutting. Yes you
can grow from seed - just do not know what the result will be and it
will take longer to come into fruit.
I have purchased a number of rooted cuttings (around 10inches in
length) from Rogers because I can train them into the style of plant
that suits me (single or multiple cordon or bush).
Regards
Clifford

Yes, Ive raised cuttings for extra bushes from my own plants

BUT :-
bit of a misunnerstanding here Cliff !

I quoted Disapearing labour force... need bigger ball and chain!

then said Oh yes, I'd forgotten those,

meaning the ball&chain

then can they be grown from seed in our
climate :-?)

meaning the ball&chain again :-))))

sry ! poor joke, I know

I wont give up the day job ;-)

If it's any consolation I read it as what you intended ...

Mary

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:38:13 +0100, Mary Fisher & I wrote:
I wont give up the day job ;-)

If it's any consolation I read it as what you intended ...

/feels better already
/gives Mary a glass of gooseberry wine :)

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"WaltA" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:38:13 +0100, Mary Fisher & I wrote:
I wont give up the day job ;-)

If it's any consolation I read it as what you intended ...

/feels better already
/gives Mary a glass of gooseberry wine :)

Oh, thank you!

er - it's a very SMALL glass - with a lot of air in it ....

:-)

Mary

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:51:29 +0100, "Mary Fisher" wrote:

/feels better already
/gives Mary a glass of gooseberry wine :)

Oh, thank you!

er - it's a very SMALL glass - with a lot of air in it ....
:-)

beep beep
Scotty, summats gorn wrong with the transporter,
beam her over another one and reduce the hot air.
bleep

Any cures for fungus infected goosegogs?
 

"WaltA" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:51:29 +0100, "Mary Fisher" wrote:

/feels better already
/gives Mary a glass of gooseberry wine :)

Oh, thank you!

er - it's a very SMALL glass - with a lot of air in it ....
:-)

beep beep
Scotty, summats gorn wrong with the transporter,
beam her over another one and reduce the hot air.
bleep

That's better! Thank you - although it's a bit early - I'll save it for
later :-)

Mary