Raspberry Leaves & Aphids

Aphids

• Aphids are small insects, frequently green in color. Check the leaves of a raspberry bush for aphids. The presence of ants may also indicate aphids because ants bring aphids to plants to feed on the secretions produced as aphids feed on leaves. Aphids feed by biting holes in the leaves of raspberry bushes and other plants, which leaves them open to diseases and allows sap to drain from the leaves.

Effects

• As aphids feed on the leaves of a raspberry plant, the leaves will begin to weaken. They often turn yellow and start to wilt as they lose nutrients to the aphids. Wilting, brown-edged leaves and leaf loss result from severe infestations. Raspberry plants may also begin to exhibit signs of disease, including leaf spots and other problems. Aphids that defoliate or damage a raspberry bush may prevent the plant from producing raspberries later in the growing season.

Pesticides and Control

• Pesticides containing the chemical pyrethrin are effective at controlling the population of aphids on a raspberry plant. Apply pesticides in the early spring to help kill off eggs and larvae, and throughout the growing season, according to the directions on the package to help control the aphids. Pruning the raspberry bush in the early spring to remove weak portions of the plant limits the likelihood that aphids will be attracted to the leaves, and the raspberry will be better able to cope with damage.

Biological Control

• Ladybugs and lacewing insects both feed on aphids and their larvae. Many university agricultural extensions and garden centers work with gardeners to release biological controls in place of or in conjunction with traditional pesticides to help control aphid populations on plants like raspberries. These insects reduce the population of aphids on a raspberry plant without adding chemicals to the environment and help increase the biodiversity of the garden by allowing helpful insects to live there.