The uncomplicated cultivation of a corkscrew willow is fraught with an Achilles heel. While the decorative shrub is uncomplicated in terms of care and propagation, it is easily defeated by fungal infections. Read here which diseases a Salix matsudana is susceptible to and how to combat them.
What diseases are common in a corkscrew willow and how do I combat them?
Corkscrew willow diseases are often fungal infections such as willow scab or Marssonina disease. To combat this, remove infected leaves and diseased shoots, use fungicides if necessary and observe preventive measures such as choosing a location and disinfecting tools.
Willow scab causes shoots and foliage to wither
The symptoms are obvious and have fatal consequences. In damp weather, the fungal pathogen Pollaccia saliciperda strikes. The foliage wilts and dies. From the leaves, the fungus migrates into the shoots, whereupon they turn black and also die. How to fight the disease:
- Collect the affected leaves and dispose of them in household waste
- Cut diseased shoots back to he althy wood
If there is a high level of infestation, you can treat the affected corkscrew willow with a special scab fungicide. On less severely infected bushes, stop applying nitrogen in favor of fertilizers with a high concentration of phosphorus and potassium. As a preventive measure, choose a sunny, airy location so that the leaves dry more quickly in damp weather.
Detecting and combating Marssonina disease – This is how it works
The pathogens of the fungal infection (Marssonina salicicola) target the 1- and 2-year-old shoots and the leaves. The infestation can be recognized by withered shoot and leaf tips. As the disease progresses, brown-black growths 2-3 cm long develop. Overall, the entire corkscrew willow tree gives the impression that it has dried up. How to do it correctly:
- Collect or cut off the diseased leaves from the branches
- Thin out sick branches or shorten them into he althy wood
If the disease has already spread over a large area in the corkscrew willow, various fungicides are available commercially to combat it. Special mushroom-free products from Bayer Garten (€97.00 at Amazon), Atempo mushroom-free, Compo mushroom-free Polyram and Ortiva mushroom-free have proven to be effective. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety operates a freely accessible database that lists all products approved for private gardening.
Tip
The regular and vigorous cutting of a corkscrew willow always carries the risk of a fungal infection. Before you cut the branches into shape or clear out dead wood, meticulously disinfecting the pruning shears is a gardener's top priority. Furthermore, the tool should be freshly sharpened so that the cuts do not fray.
