Several fungi cause a soft decay of ripe bramble fruits. Gray mold fruit rot is caused by Botrytis cinerea, and is the most common fruit rot of raspberries and blackberries in the field. The Rhizopus and Mucor fungi also cause a soft, wet fruit rot, often called leak disease. Fruit rot diseases can be a problem during wet bloom and harvest seasons. Avoid letting fruit become overripe before harvest. Fungicide can be used for control of Botrytis fruit rot. Apply during bloom and preharvest. In dry growing seasons, fungicide is generally not required. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for fungicide recommendations.

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