Have you noticed almost completely nibbled currant leaves? This means that your bush has been favored by the yellow gooseberry sawfly. The larvae of this pest are gray-green caterpillars with black warts up to 1.5 cm long. They overwinter in the surface layer of soil under the bush, pupate in early March, and as soon as the currants bloom their leaves, adult years begin. An expert from the Zen channel “Volga Garden” told how she managed to save currants from this pest.
Step #1: Mulch the soil
Next spring, be sure to mulch the soil with a heavy, thick layer (7-10 cm) of damp peat or compost. Adults will wake up after wintering and die immediately, since they will not be able to break through such mulch.
Step #2: Using insecticides
When the currants just begin to set green leaves, you can use an insecticide – for example, Fufanon-Nova. The author dissolves 13 ml of this product in 10 liters of water and generously sprays the bush. As soon as the caterpillar eats the treated leaf, it will die immediately.
If the berries are about to start turning red, use Fitoverm. Dissolve 20 ml of the product in 10 liters of water and spray the currants with it. It is important that the weather is warm – at least + 18 °C. It is safe for the harvest: berries can be picked within 3 days after treatment.
Step #3: Help build green mass
After a couple of days, feed the bush with nitrogen, thanks to which the currants will begin to actively grow green mass. Dissolve 30 g of urea and 20 g of potassium sulfate in 10 liters of water. 1-2 buckets are enough for one bush.
