DESCRIPTION
This disease attacks mainly blackcurrant bushes. Tiny mites inside the buds cause the buds to become round and swollen (the healthy buds are pointed and narrow). The swelling becomes noticeable in January to February time as the buds begin to form. In Spring, affected buds fail to develop and their leaves are distorted.

This mite is also the prime cause of reversion disease in blackcurrants.

TREATMENT
The disease is almost impossible to stop, although its progress can be slowed up by rubbing off the infected buds and burning them.

If the bug strikes two years running, it's best to replace the bushes with new ones planted in a different place in the garden.

GO TO THE GARDEN PEST AND DISEASE MAIN PAGE FOR PESTS AND DISEASES CLASSIFIED BY PLANT