Abstract

Benomyl was applied to red raspberry, cv. Glen Cova, on 3 occasions in June (programme A) or in conjunction with additional benomyl sprays earlier in the year (programme B). Programme A had no effect on cane botrytis and usually none on spur blight. Programme B always decreased the incidence of spur blight and, on occasion, that of cane botrytis. Compared wuth the unsprayed control B always increased fruit yield, but in general A did not. The higher yields resulted from increases in berry size and usually also in berry numbers; benomyl did not increase the number of canes/ha or the number of laterals/cane. On one occasion A increased yield without decreasing spur blight and B, although decreasing spur blight, did not increase the yield beyond that given by A.