The dagger nematode is the vector for the disease raspberry ringspot caused by the Tomato ringspot virus.

Several viruses are spread by aphids. The Raspberry mosaic virus disease complex, composed of five different viruses, is transmitted by the large raspberry aphid. It is more common in Washington than Oregon. 'Canby', 'Chilliwack', 'Comox', 'Nootka', and 'Skeena' are resistant to the vector aphid's colonization. A new biotype of the aphid appeared in the late 1990's that overcomes the resistance used in the British Columbia breeding program. The impact of this new aphid biotype is yet to be seen, but it is expected to be more important in Washington than Oregon.

Black raspberry decline is a disease of major concern to black raspberry growers in Oregon caused by the North American strain of the Black raspberry necrosis virus. This virus is vectored nonpersistently by the large raspberry aphid and the green peach aphid. Fields typically are in production for three or four growing seasons before they succumb to disease and no longer remain profitable.

1. Use certified planting stock.
2. Plant immune or resistant cultivars if available.
3. Plant in large blocks to slow movement of pollen borne viruses into new plants, especially if fields in the immediate area are infected.
4. Test for nematodes before planting and do not plant in soil containing Xiphinema spp.
5. Control known insect vectors. Aphid flights peak in late April to early May and again in September—the most critical periods for controlling aphid vectors. See the PNW Insect Management Handbook for details.