Red Raspberries With White Spots

by Chia Roemhildt
(Elysian, MN USA)

I planted raspberries about 3 yrs ago. They are starting to lose their leaves now, for this year, but the berries have large white spots on them. Do you know what the problem is or how I could fix this?


ANSWER:

This is a condition called sun-scald or "white drupelet disorder". It occurs during hot weather on just the berries that are exposed to full sun. The berries fail to make pigment for some of the cells during hot weather.

It is not a serious problem, and the berries are fine for eating. They just don't look as perfect. I have noticed this sometimes occurring on some of our raspberries over the years.

I have heard that some varieties of red raspberries are more susceptible to sun-scald than others. If it bothers you, you can try a plant or two of a different variety of raspberry that will be less susceptible, and see if you prefer them.