Boxwood diseases on the rise
A few years ago little was known about the way of life, reproduction and the means of combating it Box tree moth known. At first, the local fauna also seemed to have little to do with the green caterpillars; it was even suspected that the pests were poisonous for hungry birds. But from year to year the scientific knowledge increased, from 2015 until today numerous new ways to fight the invasive insect have been shown.
also read
- Common diseases and pests on boxwood
- Boxwood: Detect, treat and prevent an infestation with the boxwood moth
- Lilac - the most common diseases and how to treat them
It has also been known since around 2016/2017 that the Songbirds have adjusted to the moth caterpillars as a new source of food: It is reported that titmice and sparrows in particular devour countless pests. Also new from 2018 is the information that Nudibranchs Apparently they are also hard-working caterpillars: some gardeners reported a conspicuously high one Occurrence of snails in some boxwood bushes, in which no or very few moth caterpillars can be found was.
What helps against the box tree moth?
One thing in particular helps against the box tree moth: act extremely quickly. In larger bushes there can be several hundred to a thousand Caterpillars that the infected specimens can eat bald practically overnight. Therefore, check the Buchs daily for an infestation and hang up pheromone traps to help prevent the To estimate the presence of adult butterflies and thus the right time to control them can. In this case, a close-meshed net, placed over the box, can prevent eggs from being laid and an infestation. After an infestation, only a strong pruning and a plastic bag for the Period of a few hours is put over the affected plant and the caterpillars by heating kills. Certain biological insecticides, such as those used by the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, are also effective.
What helps against boxwood shoot death?
Another boxwood disease that has only been known for a few years is that caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola Instinct death. In the event of an infestation, in many cases there is no rescue, so all that remains is to dispose of it. However, there are a few preventative measures you can take:
- sunny, airy location
- balanced supply of nutrients and water
- never pour over the leaves
- keep them as dry as possible
- no pruning on warm, humid days
- preventive treatment with suitable fungicides
- Plant insensitive varieties such as 'Herrenhausen', 'Faulkner' or 'Arborescens'
Tips
Beware of hasty disposal Box trees supposedly infected with Cylindrocladium buxicola: this fungus is not always behind you Shoot dieback, sometimes it is another - easily treatable - fungal disease or a pest infestation, for example with Spider mites.
