Content
- Does algae lime actually help against the biggest boxwood problems?
- What is seaweed lime and what is it used for?
- Does algae lime help against the instinctual dying and against the boxwood cinder?
- What action should one take instead?
- Tips
Algae lime is extracted from the red algae
Does algae lime actually help against the biggest boxwood problems?
For about ten years, the dreaded instinctual dying on boxwood occurs. The culprit is the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola, which has become widespread in no time at all and threatens populations throughout Europe. The disease is difficult to combat, all sorts of miracle remedies have already been proclaimed. One of them is algae lime, which is supposed to contain and even reduce the infection. Can this actually work?
What is seaweed lime and what is it used for?
First of all: Algae lime is a natural fertilizer, which is obtained from the deposits of red algae and is not only rich in lime, but also in valuable minerals and trace elements. The powder is used for plant nutrition, but also to improve garden soils. In addition, algae lime should contribute to the protection of plants, such as fungal infections such as the instinct or even a pest infestation - fight with the boxwood cunt.
Does algae lime help against the instinctual dying and against the boxwood cinder?
In fact, algae lime seems to help in the short term against the plagues mentioned, and to stimulate the infested boxwoods to a renewed, healthy expulsion. However, to achieve this effect, infested and endangered plants often need to be dusted with the powder so that the leaves are covered with the fine dust. However, this brings with it other problems that can also end up ugly for the troubled book:
Furthermore, the effects on the local bird and insect world have not yet been sufficiently researched - especially during flowering, dusting of the box trees must be viewed critically, as insects on foraging also absorb the fine dust.
What action should one take instead?
Once the book has been attacked by Cylindrocladium buxicola, no effective means are currently known. You can only try to save the infested plant by a courageous pruning. Targeted prevention is therefore the method of choice: The fungus can only penetrate the leaves if they are wet for several hours. Keep the leaves as dry as possible or ensure that they dry off quickly, for example in an airy location and with sufficient distance to neighboring plants.
Tips
Until very recently, the caterpillars of the boxwood cinders were considered poisonous to birds, because they do not go so far. Meanwhile, however, it has already been observed how some garden birds and wasps also used the pests. If you keep your garden bird- and insect-friendly, hopefully the growlers will soon have no chance.