Sequoia shoot death - the most common disease of Sequoia
The sequoia has extremely robust bark, which even protects it from forest fires. However, the giant is not resistant to Botryosphaeria dothidea, a hose fungus that causes shoot deaths. The treacherous thing about the pest is that it takes months to appear. However, you can recognize signs of the disease much earlier.
also read
- The impressive growth of the sequoia tree
- Tips and tricks for caring for a sequoia tree
- The roots of the sequoia - unearthly proportions underground
Symptoms
The shoot death caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea manifests itself as follows:
- the needles turn brown at the tips
- complete death of the affected branches
- these fall off, there are visible holes in the crown
- strong resin formation
- Bark necrosis on the trunk
Note: do not confuse the brown color of the needles with the seasonal shedding of the leaves. Only in the evergreen coastal sequoia is the discoloration a clear sign of disease.
causes
Strong heat and little water make the sequoia susceptible to pests. Inadequate watering or the wrong choice of location are common maintenance mistakes. In the case of waterlogging, on the other hand, root rot occurs.
Combat
If you notice the symptoms mentioned on your sequoia tree, you should act quickly before the fungus penetrates inside. In this case, it will help to remove shoots that are already brown.
Prevent
Botryosphaeria dothidea penetrates the trunk of the sequoia through wounds in the bark. If you notice injuries, you should seal them with foil. Make sure to keep the soil moist at all times. Especially in summer it is necessary to water the Sequoia several times a day. Drainage helps against waterlogging.