Should I burn down my raspberry patch?

[MC Mixin Bricks]

For years mmy dad has been saying we should burn down the red raspberry patch. would spreading wood ashes have the same effect? why not just mow em down? does he even know what he is talking about?

[JONA878]

I guess the reason for your Dads caution is the possabilty that the old patch may be harbouring Phytophthora. A common problem with old rasp canes and one that is a devil to eradicate.
It's the main reason that, if possable, it's wise to re-plant on a new site.

Jona.