What's eating my golden currant?

Golden currant is relatively tough but attracts aphids that curl and distort new growth, currant fruit fly in western North America that ruins berries from the inside, and birds that compete at harvest. Powdery mildew often follows aphid stress. Keep plants open-centred for airflow and net fruit as it ripens.

Colonies under new leaves cause puckering and yellow-green blisters on the upper surface; heavy infestations stunt shoot extension. Blast off with a strong water jet; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to leaf undersides; encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps.

Female flies lay eggs inside developing berries; maggots feed on the pulp, causing fruits to drop early or appear shrunken and discoloured. Place sticky yellow traps near the bush to monitor adults in late spring; remove and destroy fallen berries; till soil shallowly around the base after harvest to expose pupae.

Birds target ripe golden berries, quickly stripping accessible fruit clusters. Net the bush from fruit set to harvest; light reflective tape around the plant provides minor deterrence but netting is most effective.