What Is Wrong With My Tayberries?

Does the crown have swollen, tumor-like growths?

Did the bright orange pustules appeared on the undersides of the leaves in the spring?

Does your plant shows symptoms like pale or reddish leaves, small leaves, defoliation, branch dieback, stunting, and death?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the older leaves turning yellow and wilting, an overall decline in plant vigor is apparent?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves and flowers have holes?

Are the leaves distorted, yellowed, and stippled?

Are the leaves discolored and distorted?

Bacterial disease Crown gall causes wartlike swellings on tayberries crowns. Plants can become stunted, subject to drought stress and wind damage. Large enough galls may cause girdling which results in plant death.

Bright orange pustules on the undersides of the leaves usually indicate a fungal disease - Orange rust. This disease is incurable and can't be controlled by sprays. Diseased plants never recover but the disease can be transferred fast, so dig up and destroy all infected plants as soon as you notice them. Avoid planting tayberries in proximity to wild brambles as they can carry orange rust.

Phytophthora root rot is a soilborne disease promoted by wet soil conditions. Once the disease has been introduced to a field then there is no method of treatment. Remove infected plants. Do not plant related plants in the same area.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease Verticillium wilt. If the fruit is produced, it is usually smaller than normal. Verticillium infects a wide range of plant species. Destroy all infected plants, as there is no cure.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Holes in leaves and flowers are caused by Japanese beetles, pests that can seriously damage foliage. Adults of these insects devour leaves, stalks, and flowers of nearly 300 plant species. Their larvae feed on the roots of the plants. Handpick adult beetles into a can of soapy water but make sure to wear gloves as Japanese beetles are blister beetles. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil to limit beetle grub populations. Use pyrethrin powder or neem oil as a last resort.

Leaves stippled with yellow are caused by mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap.

Discolored and distorted leaves are caused by leafhoppers. These small, green or brown insects feed by sucking juices from leaves undersides. Leafhoppers may be the carriers of the Mosaic virus, so it is important to keep them in control. Insecticidal soap helps with severe infestations.

Borers often cause tayberries canes to die. These pinkish, up to 2 inches long larvae enter the cane on the top and tunnel down. In fall, remove dry leaves as they might carry borer eggs and destroy badly infected plants in spring. In spring you can also dust the base of the plants with pyrethrin to kill emerging larvae.