American Gooseberry Mildew� (latin name -� Sphaerotheca mors-uvae) is a common fungal disease of gooseberries and blackcurrants. Red and white currants may also be attacked

Signs of American Gooseberry Mildew in Gooseberries:
A powdery, white coating appears on new shoots, spreading to young leaves and, eventually, the berries. Later these patches form a felt-like mat and turn brown. Leaves curl up and fall off. The gooseberries are small and may be covered with� brown felt.

American Gooseberry Mildew occurs:

• in crowded plants
• humid conditions
• areas of coastal fog
• when the soil around the roots is dry
• where irrigation is by overhead sprinkling
• in crowded plants

Life cycle of American Gooseberry Mildew
The fungus overwinters in dormant buds. These produce infected shoots in spring which spread the disease by releasing wind-blown spores.

• select a suitable planting site which is sunny and not humid
• allow plenty of space between bushes
• prune to keep bushes open and airy
• avoid too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer which will produce soft shoots, more susceptible to infection
• cut out and burn infected shoots in July & September
• water to keep the soil around the roots moist
• use a  mulch
• grow mildew resistant varieties such as Invicta
• chemical control -  spray with a sulphur fungicide - but check that the chemical is safe on the variety by spraying a small area and waiting for 24 hours to see if the leaves start to curl.  Spray just before flowers open, after fruit set and again 2-3 weeks later. Spray flowering crops at dusk when bees are not active. Do not use in full sun. Read the label and follow the instructions.

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