2011 will be my first season with maples. I have collected a few of them this winter but so far all I could see was but twigs. Is there anything I could do in terms of preventive action against bugs and fungus ? A basic product to buy ? Maybe Neem oil or ?... Thanks for your help in this matter.
I use Bayer systemic products for fungal. Its miraculous. The one I use says its for roses, but it works beautifully on maples, rhododendrons, etc. I'm assuming you can get it in Europe since Bayer is a German company. For insects I think a more natural product is best - something containing pyrethrins.
Personally I don't do anything for fungal disease, in my climate and growing conditions it does not seem necessary. I sometimes spray for aphids but only when I see them. One thing I may use in the future as a preventative, but have not done so yet, are the nematodes for the control of vine weevil grubs - you usually do not know the grubs are there until they have eaten all the roots in the container and the plant is dead.
Thanks Kaitain and Maf I forgot to mention I would like a product that be as environmentally friendly as possible, but I guess that could be a challenge with fungus. Also, what time of year should preventive action be taken ?
Dormant pil sprays - now. Anti-fungals like Bayer, after leaves are out. Need three treatments 2 weeks apart. Repeat later in the season as necessary. Insects - only when they become a problem.
Hi K4, the Bayer product you use (which I bought in the US in one of my visits and which I confirm it is an excellent anti-fungal) is not available in the European Union for the general public. Each year there is a new bunch of pest and insect control products which are made unavailable to most while farmers and other horticultural professionals can continue to use them. The alternative 'eco-friendly' products cost much more and are completely inefficient. We are expecting that, starting next year, European gardeners will no longer be able to treat their roses against black spot. Gomero
hi i use aliette in the beginning of spring since three years i do not know if it is the reason why i hadn't fungal problems since then but it is th case!
