Raspberries: Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Sphaerotheca macularis, affects raspberries, especially on the primocanes, causing leaves to curl. The undersides of leaves are covered with a while fungus. In severe cases, the fungus appears on the upper leaf surface.

Red, black, and purple raspberries are susceptible to powdery mildew; varieties differ in susceptibility. Blackberries and their hybrids are usually not susceptible.

Raspberry leaves with thick white powder resting along leaf veins. Leaves are cupped upwards.
Powdery mildew on raspberry.
Raspberry plant with white powder on leaves. Older leaves are mottled with small white patches. Youngest leaves are almost entirely white and thickly coated in white powder.
Powdery mildew prefers to infect the youngest, healthiest foliage.

Flower buds, flowers, and fruit may also be infected by powdery mildew.

Small raspberry fruit obscured by coating of white powder. Leaves nearby appear healthy.
Powdery mildew on raspberry.

Flowering tips of raspberry with white powder on old flower and young fruit. Leaves close to flower cluster are also sporulating on upper surface.

 

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