BUSH FRUIT PRODUCTION 



is negligible. Cane borers of several kinds 

 may be found on blackberries but seldom in 

 destructive numbers. As a rule insects occa- 

 sion little worry to the blackberry grower. 



That is not true, however, of diseases, for 

 the blackberry has a number of serious 

 troubles of this class. Some of them are in- 

 curable. Only those most likely to be trouble- 

 some are mentioned here. 



Crown gall, which attacks so many kinds 

 of plants, is frequently found on the black- 

 berry. It appears as wartlike growths where 

 the cane meets the root, and sometimes it is 

 found on the cane at some distance from the 

 ground. It weakens the plants and apparently 

 renders them more susceptible to winterkill- 

 ing. 



This disease is incurable and infected plants 

 should be removed to check its spread. Some- 

 times diseased plants will live and bear fruit 

 for several years, but such plants are not de- 

 pendable and it is best to keep crown gall from 

 spreading through the patch if it is noticed 

 before many plants have contracted the dis- 

 ease. The bacteria responsible for crown gall 

 may live for a time in the soil and land known 

 to be infected should be planted to herbaceous 

 plants for awhile. 



Orange rust is a common and serious dis- 

 84 



