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New Brunswick

Well, awile ago, I asked some questions about currents. I was told they needed pruning....I pruned. I was told they needed a mate....they got one (a little cherry currant bush)..all appeared well. Original currant bushes loaded with blossems and newly formed green fruit. Then I could not believe it...just as in past years all the fruit just simply dried up and fell off. The new little bush has lovely little green currants on it. Anyone have any idea what the problem could be with the old ones???? No sign of insects anywhere.

6/16/2005 3:10:27 PM

NEPA roller46@hotmail.com KB3QKV

What kind of currant do you have red, black or white? I am not sure what the problem could be I have not seen the currant bushes. Do you have a picture of the bushes? One possibility though I am not sure what it could be: Premature Fruit Drop
Black currants frequently suffer from premature fruit drop several weeks after bloom. In Europe, this phenomenon is called "run-off" and is thought to be caused by lack of seed set in the fruit.

Run-off is a complex problem with a number of causes, including susceptible varieties, self-incompatibility, lack of pollination (too few pollinators or poor pollinating conditions), soil fertility levels, virus, currant fruit fly, drought, excessive moisture, Botrytis, frost or varietal intolerance of cold above 0°C temperatures.

Research at the Horticultural Research Institute found that the variety Magnus can lose 60% of its fruit if the overwintering buds are subjected to 2°C for two days when the fruit buds are at the grape stage, the period when the fruit buds are just beginning to expand (usually one or two weeks before flowering).

Many home gardeners have problems with premature fruit drop and in most cases, the variety that they are growing is susceptible to cold, above 0°C temperatures before bloom. Two varieties, Magnus and Willoughby, are particularly prone to this phenomenon. These varieties have been in widespread sale through nursery catalogues.

Growers should avoid planting these varieties. Non-fruiting, established Magnus or Willoughby bushes should be replaced by a known variety. Ben Alder and Ben Sarek produce less ethylene and are therefore less susceptible to "runoff".

One lesser possibility is if it was too close to certain pine trees that are infected with a certain disease.

6/21/2005 7:57:32 PM

Md/ Usa

It might be he forgot to pay his current bill.

6/22/2005 1:56:26 PM

New Brunswick

Just got time now to read the list. Pay his currant bill...LOL...FOTFLMAO

7/10/2005 11:11:33 PM