Scalding currants: myth or necessity – we understand the effectiveness of the method

Gardeners are rushing to tidy up their plots, trimming trees and bushes, feeding plants and carrying out preventive treatments.

One of these controversial measures is scalding currants with boiling water.

Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told what to do in such a case.

Purpose of scalding

Proponents of scalding currants claim that this procedure helps to destroy wintering pests and pathogens that hide in the buds and bark of the bush.

Boiling water, in their opinion, can cope with mites, aphids, powdery mildew and other problems.

Efficiency of the method

However, the effectiveness of scalding currants is questionable.

Firstly, the temperature of boiling water quickly decreases upon contact with branches, which does not guarantee the death of pests and fungal spores.

Secondly, scalding can damage buds and young shoots, especially in early varieties of currants.

Alternative methods of protection

There are more effective and safe methods of protecting currants from pests and diseases.

In early spring, before the buds open, it is recommended to spray the bushes with insecticides and fungicides. This will help destroy wintering pests and prevent the development of fungal diseases.

Agrotechnical methods

Agrotechnical methods play an important role in the prevention of diseases and pests.

Timely pruning, thinning of bushes, removal of fallen leaves and weeds - all this helps to create favorable conditions for the growth and development of currants, and also reduces the risk of damage by pests and diseases.

Autumn processing

In the fall, after harvesting, it is recommended to treat the currants with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

This will help destroy pathogens that may remain on branches and fallen leaves.

Summary

Scalding currants with boiling water is a method whose effectiveness has not been proven.

There are more effective and safer ways to protect shrubs from pests and diseases.

An integrated approach, including agricultural techniques, preventive treatments and timely treatment, will help maintain the health of currants and obtain a rich harvest.

Previously we talked about how to increase the honeysuckle yield .