Raspberries withering before they develop

CW12CAT

I have three beautiful rasberry plants, all planted this year and looking great. Problem is that as the fruit started to grow they withered. Can anyone tell me why?
Thanks Crying or Very sad

Liparis · Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:32 pm Post subject:

Could be botritis or just plain old poor pollination.
Bill.

CW12CAT · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

Thanks Liparis
Now I just have to find out what botritis is.

I was not aware that they needed to be pollinated during flowering in order to produce fruit. Maybe I have planted my peas too close to them. Next year I will do better.
C.

Liparis · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:14 am Post subject:

Botritis is a fungal mould which attacks in damp, dull weather. Poor air circulation increases the chances, so dense plants like Rasberry Strawberries etc can be prone to it.
If the Rasberries did start forming before withering, then I would suspect botritis. greyish in colour on the fruits and if you look very closely you may see a fuzzy growth.
Bill.

CW12CAT · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 10:08 am Post subject:

Thank Liparis, I will go out today and have a good close look. Should I treat them now or wait?

michael brenock · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 10:49 am Post subject:

if your raspberries were only planted this year then it is not unusual for the fruit to drop off especially if they were not pruned back. I would disagree with Bill this time about Botrytis as this usually attacks fruit that has fully developed and is ripe or nearly ripe.The plant is diverting energy into growth of new canes for next year. The old canes that you planted di not have sufficient resources to develop the fruit. All fruits need to be pollinated and poor pollination would show up as badly shaped fruit but not withering.
next year your crop should be alright.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

CW12CAT · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:34 am Post subject:

Phew, Thanks Michael. I shall look forward to fruit next year.
C Smile

Guelder · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Posts: 14

CW12CAT, was it just the fruit that was affected or the leaves? Have you got healthy new canes popping up this summer?

I know some new ones I planted as bareroots back in spring suffered during the long dry spell in June (distant memory at this stage!).

CW12CAT · Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:42 am Post subject:

Hi Guelder, The plants are beautiful and heathy. I planted them this year from bare root and they have thrived - nice and tall with a lovely colour to the leaves. Its is just the fruit that is not developing. Should I prune back this year and when should I prune?