If planting stocks are not certified, they probably will contain one or more of the viruses described in this publication. If soil is found to contain this or other plant pathogenic nematodes, use a preplant soil fumigant. Locate new plantings 400 yards from other cultivated raspberries which may harbor the virus. Use insecticides, such as Diazinon or Malathion, on a regular basis beginning in mid-May and ending after the first killing frost in the autumn. Pull out and burn any plants that show virus disease symptoms.
Symptoms appear on canes, leaves, and sometimes on the fruit.
As the canes age, the spots appear sunken and the borders raised. Diseased tissue frequently drops out leaving a shot-hole appearance. If the disease is not controlled, canes become cracked and the drupelets of the berries become infected, resulting in worthless fruit. The disease can become serious with abundant rain in late spring and early summer, or under sprinkler irrigation. After harvest, cut out and burn old fruiting canes and new canes that show disease symptoms.