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Lancashire, United Kingdom Gb

My gooseberry plant is covered in tiny green and black caterpillars about 1inch long, and tiny dark green 'eggs'. They are making a meal out of the leaves. Any ideas as to what they are, and how can I get rid of them will be gratefully received. Thank you.




Answers

 

I would say that Gooseberry Sawfly is the problem. You could use something like soapy water, neem oil or pyrethrum. Do your best to pick them off by hand as well. There are systemic chemicals like Sprayday (banned) for fruit but you would probably have to wait some time before harvesting; something you would need to check up.

2 May, 2022

 

yes they will be sawfly larvae.
if you can pick them off by hand and offer them up to the birds/pond fish if you have any. The green stuff sounds like frass [their poo].
if you can, avoid chemical sprays much better for the environment. The fruit will still develop and can be harvested as normal.

2 May, 2022

 

Thank you both for your help. We have spent an afternoon picking caterpillars and cutting off nibbled leaves and 'dirty' leaves....beats watching tv. lol.

2 May, 2022

 

Try to think of it as a kind of meditation...not that I always manage that! :)

2 May, 2022

 

Once the caterpillars have been removed, feed the bushes with a high nitrogen feed to stimulate new leaf growth.

3 May, 2022

 

I hope you can get rid of all of them. If they are not removed they can strip the bush in just a few days. (Surprisingly this doesn't seem to kill the bush!)Warning: They overwinter in the soil under the bush. I hit on the idea of putting a piece of old pond liner round the bush so they couldn't get out in the Spring and had no more trouble until I moved the bush and forgot the plastic - back they came!

5 May, 2022

How do I say thanks?

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