Header image: Pilots and air crew passing the time with books and newspapers. S.A. Devon, RAF official photographer/Imperial War Museum
07.08.2023 - 11:42 / blog.fantasticgardeners.co.uk
For generations, gardening has been a popular pastime in the UK. Regardless of whether it is an ornamental or vegetable garden, the act of sculpting the land around us to create our very own oasis of tranquillity provides a sense of comforting accomplishment, as well as a great way to express creativity and individuality.
However, gardeners across the country must remain vigilant as there are many threats which seek to destroy our hard work. These forces of gardening darkness come in the form of pests and diseases. We have written about garden pests and how to deal with them before, so be sure to check our blog if there are any critters feasting on your garden. It is now time to arm yourself with the knowledge to identify and treat a common garden disease – box blight.
Box blight is a disease which affects Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and its family of plants. The disease is caused by two genetic types of fungi, Cylindrocladium buxicola and Volutella buxi, that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. Thankfully, it does not affect or kill the roots so, with the right box blight treatment, you don’t have to replace the entire plant.
Both of these disease-inducing fungi display easy to spot symptoms.
It is a good idea to check your plants on a regular basis and treat any affected areas as early as possible as box blight becomes increasingly difficult to deal with as time passes.
The symptoms displayed depend on which fungus your plants are infected with.
Cylindrocladium buxicola – in the early stages of the disease, the plants will have patchy areas of brown, withered leaves and, as it progresses, the affected areas will lose their leaves. Other signs of infection to look for are black-striped, or entirely blackened stems and
Header image: Pilots and air crew passing the time with books and newspapers. S.A. Devon, RAF official photographer/Imperial War Museum
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