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Currant and gooseberry leaf spot

Currant and gooseberry leaf spot is caused by a fungus and leads to premature leaf drop.

recognize Currant and gooseberry leaf spot
Currant and gooseberry leaf spot, photo: Jerzy Opiola - CC BY-SA 4.0

Currant and gooseberry leaf spot (Drepanopeziza ribis) is caused by a fungus and leads to premature leaf drop. Damp and warm (> 20 °C) weather increase the risk of infection.
The infestation begins with small, pointed yellow spots that turn brownish-black. Leaf margins turn yellow, curl up and dry out. The affected leaves fall off prematurely, leaving the shrub bare as early as July. Premature leaf fall severely weakens the shrub.
The fungus overwinters on fallen leaves.

Where to find

Control

After infestation, recovery of infected branches is not possible. Remove these. If not all branches are affected, the shrub will simply sprout again the following season.

Prevention

Clean up fallen leaves well.

Give the shrubs room to let the wind have free rein, which allows the leaves to dry quickly.