Gooseberry bush problem - not sawfly

Broomcupboard

I'm guessing this is some sort of virus or fungus causing the problem. The leaves appear healthy i.e. no marks or powdery appearance, before they wilt. Initially it was only one branch but now it appears to have spread to others on the same bush, albeit some branches still look very healthy. The fruit appears to be ripening OK. The bush did have some sawfly earlier in the season but this was dealt with by by a mixture of squeezing the caterpillars and lightly spaying with Bugclear (approved for fruit bushes) 

What is the best course of action?

1. Will the affected branches recover (there is some hint of tip growth being less affected)?

2. Is there a treatment?

3. Should I cut out the affected branches.

4. Should I grub out the whole bush in case it spreads to the other three very healthy ones?

BobTheGardener

Is this a previously healthy and fruiting bush, or is it a young one?  If the latter, some individual plants (of any variety or species) are just not very strong and it's just a part of nature - don't waste effort on them.

Broomcupboard

Thanks for your interest - This is a mature, usually heavy fruiting bush. We have suffered with sawfly in the past, but this years attack was minor in comparison. This leaf wilt is something completely new to me.

BobTheGardener

It does sound odd, certainly not one of the usual diseases by the sound of it.  Have a look through these to see if any help:

http://www.ars-grin.gov/cor/ribes/ribsymp/ribsymp.html

It is an American site but, alas, most diseases get into the UK thanks to having ineffective (or absent) plant importing controls.

little-ann

as some of you are familier with saw fly i wonder if you would mind looking at a picture i posted today

Fairygirl

little ann - Bob has replied to your other post and confirmed they are gooseberry sawfly. Check out what he said - think you're fortunate to get them early!