Many pests feed on currants, most often aphids. The black currant aphid (light cream color) is an insect that feeds on the underside of the leaf blade.In the feeding site, on the upper side of the leaf, there are characteristic bulges.Another species is the currant aphid (navy-green color). This, in turn, appears during flowering.
Its colonies can be found on non-lignified shoots and the underside of the leaf. It causes deformation of plant organs and, by feeding on shoots, also inhibits their growth. The last species that may appear on the currant is the gooseberry aphid (dark green).It can be found on the tops of the shoots and on the youngest leaves.
Fighting aphids on currants shouldn't be too much of a problem. You just need to remember to carry out any chemical treatment when you notice the first individuals of aphids on the shrubs.Currant lovers more and more often observe the presence of a pest that destroys shrub shoots.
It is the eye currant Synanthedon tipuliformis, appearing at the turn of May and June, right after the flowering of the currant. The bright wings of this butterfly are darkly edged. Adult insects have yellow transverse stripes on their abdomen.
The larvae that feed on one-year old shoots are the most dangerous.Affected shoots are weakened, have stunted growth, then wilt and die.Often they break off at the feeding site.The protection of the currant from this pest should begin with the autumn careful inspection of the shoots.
Rejuvenation and cutting of currant bushes
If about 5% of shoots show symptoms of feeding this pest in the form of eaten corridors inside the shoots, chemical treatments should be performed in the coming season.You can use a suitable preparation at the turn of May and June, and possibly repeat the treatment after harvesting the fruit.
