Noreen Brennan asked 16 years ago
Something has eaten all the leaves off my gooseberries. I have checked for sawfly but cannot see anything on the few remaining leaves (which are at the very base of one bush, the other is completely denuded). Any ideas? I thought maybe birds but no other plants seem to be affected. Thanks.
1 Answers
Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
Caterpillars of gooseberry sawfly may eat all the leaves off the bushes, starting at the centre of the bush. New leaves will appear and the damage will not be too severe if it occurs just once every few years.
If it recurs often and affects the growth of the bushes, consider spraying with Caterpillar spray, or similar insecticide, in late spring or early summer when the caterpillars are first noticed.
