Raspberry leaf blotch virus?

Hello everyone, first time posting on Permies.

Last year I planted all kinds of different Rubus varieties: Raspberry, Loganberry, Tayberry, Blackberry. Some are doing great and others not so. I decided to ask my specific questions in separate threads for clarity.

My question is about a raspberry plant that last year showed no symptoms, but this year, despite doing immensely well (canes reaching for the sky 2.5 meters+), they started discolouring maybe somewhere in mid-August, at least that's when I first noticed the discolouration.

My search led me to believe that this is RLBV (raspberry leaf blotch virus) and I would like to have some confirmation on this from my fellow permaculturalists. As well as ask if this means the plant needs to be removed entirely, so that it does not spread to other nearby members of the Genus?

I am hesitant to remove it, since the canes look healthy and shoots are still growing and new shoots are still popping up. Part of me wants to leave them and see if they produce next year and judge by next year's performance and leaf aesthetics whether I should remove them or not.

Any advice and comments are very welcome.

Thanks!
Malina

Hi Malina,

If I recall correctly, cane berries are purchased as cane stock that is planted and not seed yes?  This makes it a bit more difficult as the origin of the cane stock (region of the world where it was grown and from where it was shipped) can influence the diseases it may have.  That said, can you also give us some idea of the current region in which you have planted your stands?  This helps to identify the most probable suspects as we narrow down the choices to the probable perpetrators.  Also, it will help us to identify a possible disease clinic in your area where a positive identification of the pathogen may be made possible.  This is important to do because for most virus diseases, it may be best to remove and replace the canes.  For potential fungal and bacterial diseases, there may be curative or protective means to keep the canes and allow for recuperation of the patch over future years.  Not easy, but possible.  Good luck!