Yellow mildew on gooseberry bush

[newspud9]

I have yellow mildew on the central stems of my small gooseberry bushes (dont know the specific type).  The mould is thickest at the base of the stems.  I was investigating online and the closest I could find was American gooseberry mildew although this seems to be more of a summer-time issue when the bushes have leafed if not fruited.  Any thoughts on diagnosis/treatment.  Many thanks for all the comments.

[newspud9]

[ancellsfarmer]

Could it be a lichen?

[johhnyco15]

its a lichan vote from me

[Tee Gee]

I agree with ancell & Johnny a photo of the problem would help us to confirm our assessment!

[newspud9]

I have to apologise for the delay in sending this photo in response to Tee Gee.  If you saw my other more recent post, you will know that I did my back in some weeks ago and today is the first opportunity I've had to get back to the plot.  Anyway, you can see that in the interim, the mildew is thriving.  Identification and treatment would be much appreciated..I dont mean for the back, but that also!  Many thanks.

[johhnyco15]

I have to apologise for the delay in sending this photo in response to Tee Gee.  If you saw my other more recent post, you will know that I did my back in some weeks ago and today is the first opportunity I've had to get back to the plot.  Anyway, you can see that in the interim, the mildew is thriving.  Identification and treatment would be much appreciated..I dont mean for the back, but that also!  Many thanks.

lichen deffo nothing to worry about

[ancellsfarmer]

Agreed Johnnie, in the 'good old days', winterwash (Jeyes)would have stopped this. But the zealots have spoken.

[newspud9]

Many thanks for the info. happy to close this thread off.