Reversion disease and gall mite of black currant

Abstract

The virus disease known as ‘reversion’ has in Britain. Infected bushes usually grow vigor-been recognized for many years as a wide-ously but their cropping ability becomes seri-spread and prevalent disease of black currant in Britain. Infected bushes usually grow vigorously but their croppin ability becomes seriously impaired. Plantations once affected ously impaired. Plantations once affected usually become uneconomic and have to be grubbed prematurely. The reversion virus is transmitted by a common and widespread pest — the black currant gall mite or ‘big bud’ mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis(Westwood)). Bushes infected with reversion are more prone than healthy bushes to heavy infestations of the gall mite and are, therefore, a menace to other black currants growing in the vicinity.