If you’ve recently harvested delicious raspberries and are thinking about planting more bushes, you should be aware that different types of raspberries should not be grown in the same patch. This is because growing red raspberries alongside black raspberries can lead to the spread of damaging and incurable diseases.
Raspberries come in various colors like red, black, purple, and yellow. While each type has a slightly different taste, they are all nutritious and rich in vitamins and minerals. Red and black raspberries are the most common, with purple raspberries being hybrids of the two. While it may be tempting to have a variety of raspberries in your yard, it’s important to keep certain types separate to prevent disease transmission.
Red raspberries can carry dangerous diseases without showing symptoms and can spread these to more vulnerable black and purple raspberries. This is why it’s crucial to avoid planting them together.
Why red raspberries are risky for others
Raspberries are prone to various viruses, with the most damaging being the raspberry mosaic disease complex. This complex includes viruses like black raspberry necrosis virus, raspberry leaf mottle virus, and rubus yellow net virus. Red raspberries can be carriers of these viruses without showing symptoms, making them a risk to black and purple raspberries. Symptoms of mosaic viruses include leaf mottling, stunted growth, and poor fruit quality.
Aside from mosaic diseases, there are other viruses and fungal diseases that can infect raspberries. Some are spread by aphids, while others are carried through pollen or soil. Preventative measures like maintaining distance between different raspberry varieties and choosing disease-resistant varieties can help protect your plants.
How to play it safe
To prevent disease transmission, keep red raspberries separate from black or purple raspberries in your garden. Plant disease-resistant varieties and avoid planting near wild brambles or previous raspberry crops. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a healthy and productive raspberry harvest for years to come.
