The severity of each disease fluctuates yearly, depending on annual weather conditions and cultural practices. Frequent scouting and knowledge of the common diseases will help identify the correct disease organism and appropriate control measures. Many of the common diseases can be minimized or eliminated with cultural practices and sanitation, since most disease-causing organisms survive winter on infected plant material. However, other diseases will require fungicide applications. To promote healthy raspberry stands and reduce plant disease, follow these cultural practices.
Plant raspberries in well-drained soil or raised beds.
Avoid overhead irrigation, over-fertilizing, and wounding plants. Control weeds within and around the raspberry stand. Prune and thin canes annually during dry weather to maintain optimum spacing and row widths. Destroy abandoned and wild brambles surrounding the raspberry stand, since they harbor disease-causing organisms. Remove newly infected canes and destroy.