The author of the text is dr inż. Wojciech Pusz
Nurserymenandbreeders boxwoodmay be concerned about unflaggingproblemszmaintenance shrubswhe althSymptoms of a new boxwood disease were first discovered several years ago inNew Zealandthen in the gardensGreat BritainIn the following years, symptoms of the disease were recorded inBelgium ,Netherlands ,Franceand in 2005 in Germany
The cause of this disease isfungusCylindrocladium buxicola, and the disease is literally translated asplague boxwoodThe pathogen is transmitted by air. Buxus sempervirens, especially its cultivar 'Suffruticosa', as well as B. microphylla and B. sinica are particularly susceptible to infection. In the highest risk group there are weakened plants, i.e.malnourishedandbad irrigated(this applies to both watered plants too weakly and too abundantly). It has been noted, inter alia, that the disease spreads much faster when the leaves arewetandsubstrate impermeable
What plants can replace boxwood?
Euonymus Fortunea variety of 'Silver Queen'. It is a fast-growing shrub, the leaves are distinguished by a white collar
Common privet in the 'Atrovirens' variety. Green until winter, adapts to different positions, suitable for forming cutting
Holly Ilex crenata feels good in the sun and under the shade of trees and shrubs. Its leaves look like a boxwood
Lonicera nitida is distinguished by its compact habit, it tolerates pruning very well. It produces decorative purple berries
At first, near the petioles,dark brown spots , which then merge,coveringallleaf leafInfected leaves are dark brown, dry and may fall prematurely. On the stems, starting with the bottom onesbatchplants,appearappeardark streaks The fungus is dangerous because it also attackscompletely he althy leaves ,spreadsquickly and in a short timedestroys the entire bush
Symptoms of the disease may belong not recognizedSo far, specialists have very little informationinformation concerning biologythispathogenProbably winters onfallenleaves , and in spring the spores are spread bywind ,rainfall rain,animalsand duringcare plants
The only recommended method of disease prevention is collecting infected fallen leaves and cutting shoots with symptoms of infection.ScientistszEuropeanandMediterranean Organization Protection Plants(EPPO) alert that in the near future this fungus may be the main culpritdieback boxwoodwgardensandparks of Europe
Other boxwood diseases
Dieback shootsVolutella buxi, Macrophoma candollei. In spring, light green discoloration can be observed on the leaves, brown, rapidly growing spots appear on the shoots, sometimes spots appear around the perimeter of the shoot, part of which is abovespots infectiondying
Infected shoots should be cut belowdead tissues , then plantsspray1-, 2 -times with one offungicides .
Leafspot Macrophoma candollei, Mycosphaerella patouillardi, Volutella buxi. Singlelight brown round spotsappear on the edge of the leaf blades, sometimes they merge with each other and cover the entire surface on the upper side of the leaf blade,black focus spores fungus As the disease progresses, leaves and shoots die off.
It is necessary to cut and burnstrongly infected shoots . Spray the plants 1 or 2 times every 10 days.
PhytophthoraPhytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora nicotianae. Initially, the symptoms are visible on single shoots, leaves and the youngest shootswilt ,turn yellow ,brownishand die off , necrosis appears at the root of the roots, which over time also extends to thebase shootInfected plants should be immediately remove and burn.Disinfect the area left by the removed plants, watering them with a fungicide. Otherplants waterorspray with preparations
Boxwood honeyPsylla buxi. Attacked by thesepests leavescurl and deform,dewappears on infected leaves honey .
Apple crustaceanLepidosaphes ulmi. Infected shoots die, one can observe diminution of leaves andlimitation growth plants , and convex, convex,brownorgray discsAffected plantsspray
