What Is Attacking My Cape Gooseberry?

Question

I have a large, very productive cape gooseberry bush that has suddenly, just this year, developed a disgusting problem. Some of the stems are covered with clusters of dark brown bumps, which seem to be killing some of the branches. The bumps look hard but are squishable. I’m guessing it’s insect-related. I chopped off the branches that were hardest-hit, but need a less drastic preventive and/or cure–preferably something organic and non-toxic. Can you help me?

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Answer 1

That would be scale. This insect is a bit of a challenge. You will want to remove as many as possible by hand, first. Since they seal themselves to your plant, insecticides will not reach them without breaking that seal.

Once you have removed what you can, you can spray with insecticides.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides