Black currant spreads white-pine blister rust

By S. B. Detwiler

Subjects: Host-fungus relationships, European black currant, Blister rust, Diseases and pests, Cronartium ribicola, Control, White pine

Description: The European black currant is not extensively grown in the United States but is found to some extent in most sections where currants are cultivated. As its name indicates, it is of European origin. It is commonly called cultivated black currant. Under the conditions existing when it was first brought into the United States, this plant did no harm, but the introduction of the white-pine blister rust has changed the situation.