Blackberry plants, with the scientific name Rubus, can be either stiff and arching or long and limber vines of the family Rosaceae. These shrubs produce edible fruits that contain high levels of antioxidants. While blackberries are fairly easy to grow, they are also prone to problems and diseases that may cause them to wilt and die unless they are promptly revived.
How to save a dying blackberry bush
Inspect the plant and determine what is causing it to die.
Do not just dive in and make changes or provide treatment. First, inspect the plant to determine the cause of its decline. Check the entire plant, from top to bottom, and take note of any problems you come across such as dry branches or wilted leaves. Also check the soil and perform a soil test to determine whether the pH is correct for the plant.
Wilting, yellow or brown leaves are indications of diseases or pests, while discolored bark and dead roots along with wilted leaves could be due to root rot or crown rot. Discolored and wilting leaves could also be due to insect infestations, while yellow leaves with green veins could indicate chlorosis.
Prune the blackberry plants as needed.
Prune away any wilted or yellow leaves, but make sure you do this in the correct season and do it gently. You may have to do a little pruning every day over a long period so that you do not stress the plants. Ideally, you should prune before the blooming season.
Adjust the soil.
Test the soil around your plants to ensure it is in the proper condition to support the healthy growth of the plants. If it is not the right soil, remove the plants or adjust the soil to help them thrive again. Apply some organic mulch or fertilizer to the area and mix it into the soil. Be careful not to damage the roots when doing this.
If you notice any rotten roots, remove the plants from the soil, cut away the damaged roots, and replant them in fresh soil after allowing the stems and roots to air dry. Water the plants until the soil is wet and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Apply water near the root zone instead of near the stems.
The soil pH should be between 6 to 6.5 for most shrubs like blackberry plants. If it is above 6.5, the plants will be unable to absorb iron and other nutrients from the soil. This could lead to chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves. Apply equal parts sulfur and ferrous sulfate to the soil to help adjust the soil pH.
Adjust your watering schedule.
Adjust your watering habits to ensure that your plants get enough water, but not too much. Ideally, use a drip or seep system so that the plants are watered sufficiently.
Get rid of any pests and fungal diseases.
A pest infestation can weaken your plants and may eventually kill them. Check the leaves for insects and for honeydew, a sticky substance secreted by aphids and other insects. Prune away damaged leaves and branches and dispose of them. Disinfect the pruners before and after use to prevent the spread of fungal infections.
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to eradicate pests, and fungicide to eradicate fungal diseases.
Common fungal diseases among blackberry plants
- Anthracnose – This is caused by the Elsinore spp fungi and is characterized by yellow spots with reddish-purple margins. As the leaves grow, the centers fall out of the spots. The fungi thrive in the canes of the blackberry plants, and will infect the plants’ new growth in the springtime. Spray the plants with copper sulfate, lime and water solution before new growth begins in the spring.
- Cane blight – This disease is caused by the Leptosphaeria coniothyrium fungus and is characterized by wilting leaves and brown or black spots. Dead leaves and fruit may remain on the infected canes. Remove and dispose of infected canes to prevent the spread of spores, and be careful not to injure the healthy canes as weakening them will make them more susceptible to infection.
- Verticillium wilt – This is caused by the Verticillium dahliae fungus and is characterized by yellowing leaves that wither and fall off. Since the fungus lives in the soil, avoid planting blackberry plants where other infected plants have been grown. Sterilize the planting area with soil solarization and choose varieties that are resistant to the disease.
Conclusion
Saving a dying blackberry bush may be possible, provided you have the patience and dedication to revive your plant. The most important step is to determine the reason your plants are sickly or dying. Prune them as needed, and check and adjust the soil pH if necessary. It is also important to assess your watering schedule and to check whether the plants need treatment for pests or fungal diseases.
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