Berry malformation is a result of feeding activity. Watch for adults on leaves and check blossom clusters for nymphs. Apply a recommended insecticide when bugs are active at first bloom and again about 10 days later. Check for tarnished plant bug damage to foliage. Spider mites Click here for miticides These mites feed on undersides of leaves.
Populations can expand rapidly during periods of hot weather.
The adult female punctures the flower bud and inserts an egg, then crawls down the stem and severs it. Watch for evidence of clipped buds. Recommended insecticides must be applied when buds are developing and at early bloom. Leaf rollers and leafhoppers are occasional pests in Manitoba but, they rarely reach damaging levels. If mites are present, repeat the spring treatment at this crop stage.