Blackcurrant bush problem?

emma.e.taylor

Can anyone help identifying if there is a problem with our blackcurrant bush? 

We are approaching the second summer in our new home with a inherited established garden.  The blackcurrant bush bore little fruits last year, esp in comparison the the redcurrant and gooseberry neighbours. 

This year, the blackcurrant buds are a little behind the other two (few leaves) and I worry there is a problem with the plant.  The buds are very round - are these bug mite balls? 

Please can anyone advise based on the attached images?  I’m hoping the whole plant isn’t infected! 

Thank you for any help you can provide! 

Emma

Pete.8

It may be a problem called Big Bud - something I recall from my childhood (which was a long time ago!)
I only have a vague recollection, but some info from the RHS here-
https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/blackcurrant-big-bud-mite

Lena_vs_Deer

I think you panic prematurely:) comparing yields of one type of berries to another of a different kind isn’t really fair haha. 

But what most likely happened last year considering that you just bought that house, is that they might have pruned the bushes to make them more presentable while selling the property and they happened to remove old fruiting canes. Black currant needs canes to be at least 3 years old to bear fruit. So I think the swelled buds are just preparing to give you blooms finally? 

Skandi

I can see some flowers on the top picture Those swollen buds do not look at all normal and looking at the RHS pictures, I do think that looks like the pictures of big bud. Maybe cut one open and see what it looks like on the inside?

emma.e.taylor

Thank you for all your helpful comments!! I will pull one off and cut it open, see if that helps any further and add another comment. Appreciate your advice everyone!