Big Bud Mite
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The Big Bud Mite is a serious pest of Black and Red Currant and Goosebery bushes. As they feed, the buds become enlarged and fail to develop properly. The mite also carries the 'currant reversion virus' which further damages the plant. The mites breed in the buds during summer and autumn, overwintering there then increasing their numbers from January onwards ready to disperse as the buds open. Infestation usually occurs in the late spring or early summer so the bushes should be checked carefully and affected buds removed. If most of the branches are infected the entire bush should be destroyed. Control options are limited.