Cane Blight

Kalmusia coniothyrium

15 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity Structured

This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.

Cane blight causes browning and death of raspberry and blackberry canes. You notice sudden wilting of affected canes, often with clear boundaries between healthy and dead wood. The fungal disease enters through wounds. Prune out infected canes, disinfect tools, and manage crown insects that create entry wounds.

Remove infected canes. Prune black raspberry in dry weather to force lateral growth so wounds will heal before getting wet again.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Kalmusia coniothyrium
Host Plants
15
Favorable Conditions
Wound entry through pruning cuts, frost cracks, and mechanical injury. Cool, ...

Management

Vulnerability Window

Wound entry primarily during dormancy and cool season (Oct–May). Canker development during cool, wet weather. Symptoms visible in spring and summer. Prune only during dry weather. BBCH 97–09.

What Triggers Infection

Wound entry through pruning cuts, frost cracks, and mechanical injury. Cool, wet conditions favor canker establishment. High humidity and prolonged moisture promote spore production.

Cultural Controls

  • Remove infected canes.
  • Prune black raspberry in dry weather to force lateral growth so wounds will heal before getting wet again.
  • Prune near the ground because the fungus overwinters on cane stubs.
  • Minimize or adjust irrigation so plants are not wet for long periods.
  • Switch to drip/trickle irrigation.
  • Practice early-season primocane control.

Host Plants (15)