The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a truly amazing plant in every respect: the species has been surviving climate change, diseases, pests and bacteria for an estimated 170 million years and has proven to be extremely resilient. But does this also apply to possible fungal infestation?
How do you recognize and treat fungal infections in ginkgos?
Ginkgos are mostly resistant to fungal attack, but in rare cases weak or young trees can be affected. Symptoms include discoloration, curled leaves or shoots. In the event of fungal infestation, affected parts should be removed, fertilization stopped and, if necessary, a fungicide used.
Can the ginkgo really not be affected by fungi?
As a rule, ginkgos are not attacked by fungi or can cope very well with possible fungal infestation. The resistant trees have great resistance and keep fungal diseases at bay all on their own. That's why fungal infections in ginkgos are virtually unknown.
However, there are exceptions. In some cases, fungal diseases can also threaten ginkgo trees, such as
- because it is a young tree that has yet to develop its resistance
- the tree was weakened by drastic care errors, in particular by over-fertilization with nitrogen or waterlogging
- he is experiencing significant nutritional deficiencies
Fungal infections only occur on trees that are severely weakened for various reasons.
Which Ginkgo varieties are particularly susceptible to fungal attack?
The variegated varieties of ginkgo, such as 'Variegata', are particularly susceptible to fungal infestation - and other diseases. By the way, this applies to the entire plant kingdom, no matter what species it is: variegated cultivated forms are generally more sensitive than the actual wild form.
In any case, the white-colored 'Variegata' should be treated with caution, as the variety is considered unstable and turns green again after a few years. Then you have a tree in the garden that is indistinguishable from a normal ginkgo - only the vulnerability remains.
How can you recognize a fungal infection on a ginkgo?
You can recognize a possible fungal infection on ginkgo by the same symptoms that occur on other plants:
- Leaves change color (e.g. black or brown leaf necrosis)
- Leaves curl up or become crippled
- Leaf fall at the wrong time of year
- Drying and death of shoots
- Rotten and dying roots
But be careful: You shouldn't immediately suspect a fungal infection behind such symptoms, even if the damage looks very similar to one. In many cases there are other problems instead, such as over-fertilization with nitrogen in the case of blackish, soft leaves. An accurate diagnosis is not easy and should therefore be left to a specialist.
What can you do against a fungal infection on a ginkgo?
If the ginkgo is actually infected with a fungus, the same measures can help as with any other plant:
- cut back affected leaves and shoots as much as possible
- Set fertilization
- Control roots
- if necessary, treat with a (biological) fungicide
Also pay attention to any vectors that may be planted in the immediate vicinity of the ginkgo and project fungal spores onto it. This applies, for example, to berry bushes at risk from rust diseases, but also to other plants.
Tip
Do not plant a ginkgo tree slice
Ginkgos react quite sensitively to competition for water, which is why the tree disc should not be planted and should also be kept free of lawn or meadow - this measure is particularly important for young trees! The tree disc should be around one meter apart and can be covered with bark mulch, at least if the soil is rich in nutrients.
