Bird Pests of Boysenberry
Outside of a handful of boysenberry insect pests, the greatest threat to your berry patch are birds. Birds love boysenberries as much or more than you do and make it their business to get to them before you do. Beat the birds to it by checking the plants daily, preferably in the morning, for any ripe berries. Given that a morning check isn’t always possible, protect the berries with netting, cotton, or a fruit cage.
Boysenberry Insect Pests
As mentioned, the same bugs that eat boysenberries can also be found eating raspberries. That means the gardener should keep an eye out for cane borers. Raspberry bud moths can damage canes, flowers, and foliage. Leafrollers, bronze beetles, and leafhoppers all may do damage to the plant’s foliage. Mites suck the nutrient rich juices from the plant and grass grub larvae gnaw at its root system. Aphids, of course, may choose to reside on a boysenberry plant and, just like mites, suck the juices from it, causing the leaves to curl. An insecticidal soap will help with boysenberry pests such as aphids. Larger insects like beetles can be handpicked. Keep the areas surrounding the boysenberry bushes free from weeds which can offer a home to unwanted pests. To combat insects on boysenberry plants, sometimes a chemical control is necessary, especially if the infestation is severe. A product such as permethrin or carbaryl (Sevin) may be needed. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to make sure the product is safe to use on cane fruits.
