Gooseberries

[thickoeric]

My gooseberry bush is in its second year and is just starting to produce fruit but the leaves are being eaten by some varmint or other. Can anyone tell me what it is likely to be and how I can stop it, please?

[rowanwitch]

sawfly caterpillars are a possible candidate

chemical warfare is probably required but they are tricky little devils and drop to the ground as soon as something nasty comes their way so spray under the leaves and then around the base of the bush as well.

[thickoeric]

Thanks for the advice, Rowanwitch.

[johnk]

For the sawfly caterpillars blast the bush every day with the hose, they will drop to the ground and crawl back up but if disturbed every day they will die off eventually. It might be magpie moth caterpillars, just pick them off and put in the bin or anywhere away from the bush.