· These cultural practices may be sufficient to control blackberries with anthracnose but using a delayed dormant spray may also be necessary. Before growth starts and while temperatures are still cold, apply a lime, sulfur, copper hydroxide, or a foliar fungicide. · The best way to control blackberry anthracnose is to use a combination of cultural practices and fungicides. Plant resistant varieties of blackberries. Space plants properly and prune to improve air circulation. Remove any wild brambles in the area, which can harbor the disease. Prune off old cane stubs after planting. Prune off old canes close to the ground as soon after harvest as possible, and destroy by burning. Best done before rains resume in the fall. Early primocane control through chemical burning. Thin out weak canes. Eliminate weeds to provide good air movement. · Most modern thornless blackberries (Apache, Triple Crown, Osage, Ouachita, etc) are resistant to anthracnose. Most black raspberry cultivars are highly susceptible. · For fungal diseases in blackberries like anthracnose, apply copper-based fungicides or sulfur sprays early in the season as a preventive measure. Prune and dispose of infected canes to reduce the spread of diseases like cane blight. · Anthracnose lesions present on a first-year blackberry cane near Searcy, AR. There are many strategies that can be employed in the fall and spring months that can help lower disease pressure before “budbreak” begins. Anthracnose (fungus – Elsinoe veneta): A common cane and foliage disease of blackberry and dewberry sometimes called dieback. The disease first appears in the spring as small purplish spots on new shoots and purple bordered spots on leaves. · The best way to control blackberry anthracnose is to use a combination of cultural practices and fungicides. Plant resistant varieties of blackberries. Space plants properly and prune to improve air circulation. Remove any wild brambles in the area, which can harbor the disease. · Most modern thornless blackberries (Apache, Triple Crown, Osage, Ouachita, etc) are resistant to anthracnose. Most black raspberry cultivars are highly susceptible. · Anthracnose lesions present on a first-year blackberry cane near Searcy, AR. There are many strategies that can be employed in the fall and spring months that can help lower disease pressure before “budbreak” begins. Prune off old cane stubs after planting. Prune off old canes close to the ground as soon after harvest as possible, and destroy by burning. Best done before rains resume in the fall. Early primocane control through chemical burning. Thin out weak canes. Eliminate weeds to provide good air movement. · For fungal diseases in blackberries like anthracnose, apply copper-based fungicides or sulfur sprays early in the season as a preventive measure. Prune and dispose of infected canes to reduce the spread of diseases like cane blight. Anthracnose (fungus – Elsinoe veneta): A common cane and foliage disease of blackberry and dewberry sometimes called dieback. The disease first appears in the spring as small purplish spots on new shoots and purple bordered spots on leaves.
