Tick on black currants, how to treat it in spring? - briefly
In early spring, inspect blackcurrant vines for adult ticks and apply a registered acaricide (e.g., spirodiclofen) at the recommended dosage, concentrating on buds and young shoots. Follow with biological control agents such as predatory mites and ensure regular pruning to improve airflow and lower pest pressure.
Tick on black currants, how to treat it in spring? - in detail
Tick infestation on blackcurrant shrubs becomes apparent in early spring when larvae emerge from overwintering sites. Identification relies on observing small, reddish‑brown arthropods on new shoots and leaves, often accompanied by stippling damage and wilting of tender growth.
Effective management integrates cultural, biological, and chemical measures.
- Sanitation: Remove and destroy fallen leaves, pruned material, and any ground debris where ticks may shelter.
- Pruning: Perform early‑season thinning to improve air circulation and expose hidden pests. Cut back heavily infested shoots and dispose of them away from the orchard.
- Soil preparation: Apply a mulch of coarse organic matter to discourage tick habitat while retaining soil moisture for plant health.
- Biological agents: Introduce predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus and entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana) following label recommendations. These agents suppress larval populations without harming beneficial insects.
- Chemical control: When thresholds are exceeded, apply acaricides with proven efficacy on blackcurrant ticks. Preferred options include spirodiclofen or abamectin, applied as a foliar spray at the first sign of activity. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance buildup.
Monitoring should commence at bud break, using a hand lens to inspect at least ten randomly selected shoots per bush. Record the number of ticks per shoot; action is warranted when counts exceed five per shoot. Repeat inspections weekly until larvae diminish.
Integrating these steps reduces tick pressure, promotes vigorous growth, and supports a productive harvest in the following season.