The currant fruit fly lays its eggs in the developing berries and the maggots feed inside the berries causing a premature ripening and fruit drop. Beetles similar to the apple curculio, which feed on apples, saskatoon and chokecherry are also possible pests as are cane borers. The currant borer is also a recognized pest of various currants and gooseberries. It causes damage by boring into the canes. The canes will appear stunted and yellow with foliage above the damage wilting and eventually dying.
Smaller pests including scale insects, aphids and mites are likely to be occasional pests as well.
There is limited information concerning which diseases may be a problem under mass plantings. Diseases such as powdery mildew, various leaf spot diseases, and root rots along with other fungus, bacterial and viruses can threaten to damage or kill the plants. No chemical controls are available. Cultural controls such as pruning, proper air flow and plant densities can help to control many diseases.