Kitten willows are robust plants that can be easily cultivated in the home garden. The sal willow is rarely invaded by pathogens. But every now and then symptoms of the disease appear that significantly change their appearance. Is there any cause for concern?
What diseases can affect pussy willows and how to treat them?
The most common diseases of pussy willows are powdery mildew, leaf spot and willow rust fungus. Infected plant parts should be removed and the pasture cared for as needed. If the infestation is severe, treatment with environmentally friendly fungicides may be recommended.
The three most likely diseases
We can observe several diseases on the sage willow, but the ones listed below are probably the most common. Also because two of them can also appear on countless other plants in the garden and the path to the catkin is not far.
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot diseases
- willow rust fungus
Powdery mildew
There will hardly be a gardener in this country who is unfamiliar with this fungal disease. He has to fight her again and again because she doesn't seem to spare any plant. Maybe the kitty willow will be next. But a previously he althy pasture will be able to cope with this fungal pathogen well, so no action will be necessary. Otherwise you can do the following:
- cool and humid climate favors fungal disease
- then pay attention to possible symptoms and act early
- the white coating on the top of the leaves is unmistakable
- Cut off and dispose of affected plant parts
- spray several times with garlic broth or milk-water mixture
Leaf spot diseases
Differently shaped and colored leaf spots are the visible part of leaf spot disease. It cannot be fought. Contain them by cutting off and destroying infected leaves. Prevent this by planting the catkin willow in a suitable location and caring for it as needed.
willow rust fungus
Willow rust can occur in early summer, which is caused by a host-changing rust fungus. It is important to locate the host plant, otherwise an infestation will occur again and again. It can be problematic if the host plant is on the neighboring property. These are the visible symptoms:
- yellowish spots on the top of the leaves
- yellowish spore coating on the undersides of the leaves
- yellowed leaves in severe infestation
- if applicable. premature leaf fall
Pluck off infected leaves or cut shoots back to he althy wood. Plants that cannot be saved in this way must be completely removed from the garden.
Tip
After you have removed the infestation, you should treat the catkin willow with an environmentally friendly fungicide. For example, based on copper or sulphur.
