Topic: Should I be worried !!

[fitzsie]

My autumn raspberries are doing well fruiting wise however the leaves are being absolutely devastated. Can't see the cause but seem to remember something about some insect that climbs at night to eat leaves but can't remember which plant they were talking about. Any ideas ?

[johhnyco15]

i think its raspberry beatle  i wouldnt worry dont think they do much damage give them a spray with something nasty if your really worried  id burn them when you cut them down and hope for a cold winter lol

[ed dibbles]

Since the fruit is fine with the leaves attacked I suggest three possibilities:

Raspberry leaf and bud mite - http://www.kenmuir.co.uk/image/data/pdf/Fact%20Sheets/Rasp%20Leaf%20and%20Bud%20Mite.pdf

Spider Mite - http://www.kenmuir.co.uk/image/data/pdf/Fact%20Sheets/SPIDER%20MITE%20_33_.pdf

Raspberry Sawfly - http://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/fruitarticles/raspberries/raspberry-pest-disease.php

Raspberry beetle tends to go for the fruit.

Since the leaves will be falling soon anyway a good early spring feed may be beneficial.

[fitzsie]

Thanks for that. Looking at the pages I think it is the Raspberry Sawfly. I will just make sure that I keep turning the soil over winter. Only second year and the fruit keeps coming. Really pleased apart from the state of the leaves !!