Raspberry leaf curl

Question: What can I do before it kills my plant?

responder: Deb K  Replied May 17, 2023, 9:52 PM EDT
response: Thanks for contacting "ask extension" with your raspberry question. I have a few questions for you. How old it the raspberry? Do you know the variety? Did you see leaf curl last year? How often and how long do you water? Have you fertilized? When and with what? Please uncurl the leaf and look for an insect.      (It might be very very small.)  Is it possible to bring a sample into the extension office (Sunset Building ) so a Master Gardener can take a look? Looking forward to hearing back from you.

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2023, 4:40 PM EDT
response: I bought the raspberry last spring at BiMart     It is the yellow/cream colored berry.     There was leaf curl last year and it eventually shriveled the whole plant and did not bloom.  I thought it was dead but it came back this spring.     It does get some spray from in ground sprinklers.  I water it 1-2 times when there is no rain.     I added 16-16-16 fertilizer to top of soil and worked in after it started to grow.  Maybe 1 tablespoon full at the most.     I cannot see any insects.     I could bring in sample if I know where to go.  I live in Corvallis.     TIA Jeanne, Bauer        On 05/17/2023 6:52 PM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb K  Replied May 19, 2023, 11:03 AM EDT
response: Hi Jeanne Thanks for the additional information. I suspect your raspberry either has a virus or a micronutrient deficiency of either Iron, Manganese or both.   If it is a virus, there is not much you can do other than replace the raspberry with certified planting stock and immune or resistant cultivars. Do not reuse the soil currently in the container. Here is a link to an OSU publication on growing raspberries. Refer to the section under Container plantings for recommendations on growing raspberries in pots. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/ec-1306  If it is a nutrient deficiency you can add a chelated fertilizer which is available at nurseries or big box stores. Have the pH of your potting soil tested as a high pH can impact the plants ability to take up iron and micronutrients. Additionally, insure your soil medium is providing adequate drainage. You can try treating for mineral deficiency first. If the plant doesn’t respond, then replacement is your best option.  Note: You can have your soil pH tested for no charge at the Master Gardener Help Desk. They are located in the Sunset Building 4077 SW Research Way Corvallis, OR 97333. The office is open Mon - Fri from 8:00am - 4:00pm Hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 22, 2023, 4:52 PM EDT
response: I am going with the virus theory.  I understand getting rid of the soil.  Can I wash the pot with soap and water and let it sun dry for 72 hours to disinfect?  Or is the pot beyond saving?     TIA        On 05/19/2023 8:03 AM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Deb K  Replied May 22, 2023, 10:35 PM EDT
response: Yes! You can reuse your pot after washing it  with soap and water and letting it dry.  You could also spray with diluted bleach (1 fluid oz of bleach to 9 oz of water)