Causal agents Sphaerulina rubi EPPO code SPHNRU | Hosts Raspberry | |
Raspberry Leaf Spot is a plant disease caused by Sphaerulina rubi, an ascomycete fungus. Early symptoms of infection are dark green spots on young leaves. As the disease progresses, these spots turn tan or gray in color. Disease management strategies for Raspberry Leaf Spot include the use of genetically resistant raspberry plant varieties and chemical fungicide sprays.
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Raspberries are an important fruit, mainly grown in Washington, Oregon and California. Although they are also grown in the Midwest and northeastern states, the output is not nearly as great due to the colder weathers and shorter growing seasons. S. rubi prefers warmer and wetter conditions, which can make raspberry production very difficult in California.
Hosts and symptoms
A Raspberry Leaf Spot infection initially causes dark green circular spots on the upper side of young leaves, which will eventually turn tan or gray. These spots are typically 1–2 mm in diameter, but can get as big as 4–6 mm. More severe infections can cause leaves to drop prematurely in the late summer and early fall. Due to the loss of leaves, infected raspberries are more susceptible to winter injury. As a result, Raspberry Leaf Spot may not only reduce yield in season, but cause lasting consequence into the next season.
The symptoms of Raspberry Leaf Spot are similar to the symptoms of Raspberry Anthracnose. The best way to differentiate between the two fungal diseases is to inspect the stems of the plant. Stem lesions are indicative of Raspberry Anthracnose.
In 1943, it was discovered that S. rubi only infects raspberry plants. Previously, the pathogen had also been blamed for leaf spot on blackberry and dewberry. However, Demaree and Wilcox demonstrated the raspberry pathogen could not cause leaf spots on blackberry or dewberry. The similar pathogens were also differentiated as perfect and imperfect, as the Blackberry Leaf Spot pathogen didn’t have a known sexual stage.
Disease cycle
In spring, when conditions are favorable, ascospores are discharged from perithecia that have overwintered in fallen leaves and canes and disseminate to infect young leaves of raspberry plants. Once infected, the raspberry leaf serves as a nutrient source for the fungus to begin producing secondary inoculum, or conidia, within pycnidia, a survival structure that protects the spores. Conidia can undergo several repeating secondary cycles and re-infect other nearby plants. When the leaves of the raspberry plant begin to fall, perithecia form in the fallen tissue where asci and ascospores will be produced and protected until the following spring. The perithecia are black, found subepidermaly. The ascospores are characterized by a cylindrical, curved shape and are pointed at both ends with four septate usually.
Environment
S. rubi grows optimally in humid conditions, which promotes wet leaves. In general, the conidia of S. rubi are disseminated through wind and rain. With these favorable conditions, the fungus can cause secondary infections more easily, thus leading to a more serious outbreak.
Furthermore, because the fungus produces pycnidia, a survival structure that contains conidia, it can survive in a range of temperatures, although the fungus grows optimally at 27 °C or 80 °F. Provided that there is adequate moisture, the conidia from the pycnidia will be able to disseminate via wind and rain.
Raspberry Leaf Spot infections will typically be more severe in parts of the United States that are climatically warmer and more humid.
Management
Genetic resistance is the preferred disease management strategy because it allows farmers to minimize chemical intervention. Less pesticide and fungicide can encourage biological control agents, reduce production costs, and minimize the chemical residues in fruit. Some genetic varieties of raspberry are better than others for the control of leaf spot. Nova and Jewel Black are both resistant varieties, while Prelude and Honey Queen Golden Raspberry have some resistance, but can be susceptible depending on environmental conditions. Reiville, Canby, Encore and Anne are the most susceptible varieties.
Cultural practices are also important for the management of Raspberry Leaf Spot. Sanitation, which includes the removal of all plant debris and infected canes in the fall, reduces places for the pathogen to overwinter. Pruning the raspberry plants and planting in rows will allow for airflow to dry leaves, creating an uninviting environment for fungi. Furthermore, air flow circulation is important for reducing sporulation and successful infection. Lastly, avoid wounding the plants, as this may provide the fungus with an opportunity to infect.
Importance
Raspberry is the third most popular berry in the United States. In the US, per capita consumption of fresh raspberries was 0.27 pounds in 2008 with frozen raspberry consumption adding 0.36 pounds. Not only are raspberries consumed as a snack, but they have historically also been used for much more. Parts of the raspberry plant used to be used to treat several ailments, including as a relief for painful menstrual cramps, an aid in childbirth, a cure for diarrhea, a remedy for heart disease, and even as a preventative measure for vomiting.
Although there is a high demand for raspberries, growers find it very difficult to grow them. Not only are they relatively fastidious when it comes to general requirements for survival, but they also tend to be susceptible to disease. Specifically, Raspberry Leaf Spot can be a debilitating disease if conditions are favorable. If defoliation does occur due to Raspberry Leaf Spot, the outcome can be economically devastating for the farmer. Defoliation would cause the loss of the plant's ability to photosynthesize, and thus, the fruit would be lost shortly after. Yield for raspberries can be anywhere from 0 to 6,000 pounds/acre, typical yields being 4,000 to 5,000 pounds/acre. With an input cost of approximately $4,000, raspberries are a risky endeavor.