Do I need to use pesticides for the borer?

Usually, manual removal of the infested tips is enough. Pesticides are rarely needed if you stay on top of pruning.

Will the cane recover after I prune the tip?

The cane will stop growing from that specific tip, but it will often send out side branches. The plant will remain healthy overall.

Black raspberry: drooping, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for two rings of punctures near the wilted tip.
Check the soil moisture level.
Examine the base of the plant for other damage.

Likely causes

Raspberry cane borer
Most likely
How to tell: You will see two rows of punctures near the tip of the cane, followed by the tip wilting and drooping. This is where the adult beetle laid her eggs.
What to do: Cut the cane off several inches below the wilted area, making sure to go below the puncture marks. Destroy the removed cane immediately to kill the larvae inside.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant looks limp and the soil is dry to the touch. This happens when the plant does not get enough water during hot spells.
What to do: Water the plant deeply every 5 to 10 days. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black raspberry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see many drooping tips, the borer population is high and could impact next year's crop. A single drooping tip is usually just a minor nuisance.

Stopping it coming back

Monitor your plants closely in late spring and early summer. Removing infested tips early prevents the borer from moving further down the cane.

Black raspberry: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black raspberry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to use pesticides for the borer?: Usually, manual removal of the infested tips is enough. Pesticides are rarely needed if you stay on top of pruning.
Will the cane recover after I prune the tip?: The cane will stop growing from that specific tip, but it will often send out side branches. The plant will remain healthy overall.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are the tips of my black raspberry drooping?