0
points
Unknown damage

Blackberry    None Given

Not sure what is going on here as I am new to gardening and especially growing blackberries. Leaves started with grayish/white markes that you see in pic number 2 then turned like pic 1. I believe some of the discolorations is due to the season but whats causing the rest?


Posted by: Kenneth Ulmer (1 point) Kenneth Ulmer
Posted: November 25, 2016


Kenneth Ulmer commented,
Fall time.
over 7 years ago.



Answers

1
point
It could be leaf miner insect damage. There are many leaf miners infest blackberry and raspberry like Metallus rubi, Metallus pumilus etc.,
Generally the adult females lay eggs on the leaf surface. The hatched larvae feeds on leaf mesophyll tissue by leaving the upper and lower layer intact (called mining) which results in the appearance of conspicuous blotches (image attached). The mature larvae drop out from the mine and pupate in soil.

To control the insect you can squeeze the leaf at the blotch area between two fingers to crush the larvae or remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults. Mulching also helps in reducing leaf miner population.


Posted by: Dr. Ravishankar Narayana (15 points) Dr. Ravishankar Narayana
Posted: November 25, 2016


Kenneth Ulmer commented,
I have searched for signs of insects to no avail. I was thinking maybe a snail or slug of some kind. I haven't added extra mulch but I have tried both organic(neem oil) and synthetic insecticides without any noticeable remedy
over 7 years ago.



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