Why are pine beetles harmful to pine trees?

Despite their minuscule size, bark beetles are having a devastating impact on pine forests around the world. These tiny insects, often overlooked, are integral to forest ecosystems, but their spread can lead to catastrophic consequences.  This article will be useful to anyone who cares about pine trees in forestry, as part of urban landscaping, or as an evergreen decoration near a country house where you enjoy spending leisure time with family and friends.

Further on, you will learn about why bark beetles harm pine trees; how to detect the first signs of bark beetle damage; what preventive measures should be taken to protect pine trees; why you need to contact specialists in time if you want to preserve the health and beauty of pine trees for as long as possible?.

Bark beetles – who are they?

 Bark beetles (Latin Scolytinae) are a subfamily of beetles that includes about 750 species, 140 of which inhabit the forests of European countries, so some species of bark beetles are common in Ukraine.

Why do bark beetles damage pine trees?

Pine beetles harm pine trees primarily by tunnelling through the bark and destroying the plant’s “vascular system”. Female bark beetles lay their eggs in galleries under the bark, where the larvae feed on the inner bark tissue, effectively blocking the plant’s access to nutrients. In fact, bark beetles can introduce fungal pathogens to the plant’s surface, further weakening its defences and accelerating its death.

Pine trees are becoming particularly vulnerable to bark beetle attacks as a result of global climate change, rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall. These conditions lead to weaker trees, making them more susceptible to pests. Bark beetles, such as Ips acuminatus Gyll, attack mainly weakened and damaged trees, feeding on their sap and wood. They not only destroy wood, but also cause trees to dry out, leading to a reduction in forest area and loss of biodiversity.

How to identify the first signs of bark beetle damage?

 Early detection of bark beetle damage is crucial for effective management and prevention of widespread infestations.

Here is a list of the first signs that appear on the plant surface as a result of bark beetle activity:

 Resin tubes: Small masses of resin that appear on the surface of the bark, indicating that the plant is trying to expel invading beetles.

Powdered sawdust: Small powdery sawdust that accumulates at the base of the tree or in crevices in the bark, signalling recent beetle activity.

Discolouration of the needles: The wilting, yellowing or browning of needles or leaves due to a disruption in the plant’s nutrient transport system.

Sparse crown: Thinning of the plant’s crown, indicating poor health and potential beetle infestation.

Weak or dead branches, especially in the upper part of the tree.

Measures of prevention

  Preventive measures for bark beetle infestation involve a multifaceted approach that aims to reduce plant stress, increase forest resilience and implement proactive management strategies.

Regular monitoring: Carry out regular monitoring of pine trees for signs of pests and damage, especially in stressed or vulnerable conditions. It is important to inspect plants closely during periods of peak beetle activity, such as spring and summer, so that infestations can be detected at an early stage in time to seek professional advice.

Biological control: The introduction of natural predators such as parasitic wasps and predatory beetles to regulate bark beetle populations.

Strengthening immunity: Implementation of sustainable forestry practices to improve plant vigour and resistance to bark beetle attack.

If you notice any of these signs, you as soon as possible should contact the specialists of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Phytopathology Centre to assess the condition of the plant and determine further steps to eliminate the negative consequences and protect

it.

It is easy and convenient to get the necessary help by calling: +380632851405 

Together we can protect pine forests and green landscapes and preserve them for future generations.

 

 

 

Spring sunburn of conifers

Conifers are a wonderful decoration for any garden or park. They impress with their beauty, variety of shapes and colors, and the fact that they remain green throughout the year.However, it is this feature that makes them vulnerable to the rays of the spring sun, which can cause needle burns and, in some cases, plant death. How to avoid this common problem and help conifers recover from burns will be revealed if you read our article to the end.

 What is spring sunburn of conifers and why does it occur?

Spring sunburn of conifers is a non-infectious disease that occurs as a result of overheating and dehydration of needles under the influence of sunlight. Burns can be of varying severity: from mild yellowing to complete shedding and death of branches. Young plants, as well as those growing in open and windy places, are most susceptible to burns.The spring burn of conifers occurs because the needles continue to photosynthesise even in winter, when the roots freeze and are unable to provide sufficient water supply.When spring comes, the sun becomes brighter and warmer, and the snow reflects its rays, creating the effect of a magnifying glass. The needles become overheated and lose moisture, which it cannot replenish from the soil. As a result, a stressful situation arises, which leads to damage to the cells and tissues of the needles.

How to identify spring sunburn of conifers?

  The following signs can be used to identify spring sunburn of conifers:

– A change in the color of the needles from bright green to yellow, brown, red or purple. This indicates the accumulation of pigments in the needles that protect them from excess ultraviolet radiation.

Dry, brittle and falling needles. This indicates dehydration and necrosis of needle tissue.

How to prevent spring sunburn in conifers?

 Spring sunburn of conifers can be prevented by following these rules:

Management of moisture levels: Adequate moisture is key to preventing spring sunburn. It is necessary to provide conifers with regular and abundant watering in autumn, before the onset of frost, when they accumulate moisture in the needles.Water conifers generously before the onset of winter to keep the soil moist. This pre-winter moisture helps the trees survive the dry winter months. Furthermore, watering during the winter thaw is essential, when the needles begin to evaporate moisture.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture in the soil and regulate temperature. Mulch acts as an insulator, protecting the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.

Windbreaks: Properly planted windbreaks can protect conifers from harsh winter winds, reducing the risk of drying out. This is especially important if conifers are planted in open areas.

If you notice the first signs of sunburn on conifers growing in your garden, backyard or in the urban landscape area you are caring for, the best solution is to contact the specialists of the Green Clinic Centre for Ecosystem Phytopathology for professional advice.  Always timely assistance for conifers and other plants by phone: +380632851405

If you implement these preventive measures, you can protect your conifers from the problems associated with the transition from winter to spring. Help conifers in the spring, when the period of active growth and regeneration begins, and make sure that your conifers are healthy, protected from disease all year round in an ever-changing natural landscape.

Snow mold on the lawn?

When the lawn is still covered with a dazzling white layer of snow in spring, an invisible enemy can lurk underneath, causing serious damage to your once lush lawn. Snow mold, a common lawn disease, is caused by prolonged snow cover, resulting in stains and damage if not prevented in a timely and effective manner.

Let’s talk about what snow mold is, how to spot it on your lawn, the most common causes, and most importantly, preventive measures to restore the beauty of your lawn, so if you want your lawn to be clean and fresh with the first rays of spring sunshine, this information is for you.

What is snow mold?

 Snow mold is a fungal disease of the lawn, usually caused by various types of fungi of the genus Fusarium and Typhula spp. These fungi live in the soil and on plant debris, and can become active under certain conditions. Humidity, temperature and snow cover are particularly favorable for the development of snow mold. Fungi begin to multiply and infect the grass when the soil temperature under the snow rises to +5°C. The snow creates a greenhouse effect, under which the lawn does not breathe, and excessive humidity promotes the spread of fungi.  Most often, snow mold appears after the snow melts, when gray or pink spots with an unpleasant touch remain on the lawn.

How to identify snow mold in time?

 Snow mold is usually divided into two main types – grey snow mold (Typhula spp.) and pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale or Fusarium nivále).The fungus thrives under snow, especially when the ground is not frozen. Heavy snow, deep snow accumulations and lack of airflow can exacerbate the problem, creating an ideal environment for snow mold growth.

Please note that the common signs of snow mold are:

The presence of round or oval spots on the lawn with a diameter of 5 to 50 cm, which may combine into larger areas.

– Discolouration of the grass on the spots: from grey to pink, brown, purple or black.

The presence of a white, pink or brown coating on the grass, consisting of mycelium and fungal spores.

– Wilting, drying, rotting and falling off of the grass in spots.

– The presence of mummified fruits, cones, leaves on the lawn, which are a source of infection.

What are the most common causes of snow mold?

The following factors are particularly favourable for the development of snow mold:

– Long-term frost-free snow cover, which creates a greenhouse effect and increases the temperature of the soil under the snow.

– Insufficient drainage of the lawn, which leads to stagnation of water and increased humidity.

– Acidic soil with a high content of organic matter, which promotes the development of fungi.

– Excessive application of nitrogen fertilisers, which stimulate grass growth but reduce its resistance to disease.

High mowing of the lawn before winter, which leaves plant residues. These residues are the source of infection.

Preventive measures to avoid snow mold:

 Rake and remove: As soon as the snow begins to melt, gently rake the affected areas to allow airflow and expose the grass to sunlight.

Remove debris, straw and dead grass to prevent snow mould from developing.

Aeration of the soil helps reduce compaction, allowing better penetration of air, water and nutrients to the grass roots. Aeration also promotes the breakdown of straw, reducing the conditions conducive to snow mold.

Balanced fertilization: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote grass regeneration. Avoid excess nitrogen as it can exacerbate snow mould problems.

Over-seeding: Over-seeding helps to fill in bare or damaged areas, contributing to a denser, healthier lawn. Choose grass varieties that are resistant to snow mould to ensure future resistance.

Fungicide application: If the damage to the lawn is very severe, then you might consider applying a fungicide in late autumn or early spring as a preventative measure.

The best solution to the problem is to contact the specialists of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Phytopathology Centre for timely assistance and support. Don’t hesitate to call us at: +380632851405

Mow the lawn when the grass is dry to prevent the spread of snow mold spores.

Avoid excessive snow accumulation in one area, as this can create a favourable environment for snow mold.

Spread the snow on the ground evenly to promote faster melting.

Ensure that the lawn is adequately drained to minimize excessive moisture, which can encourage snow mold.

Inspect your lawn regularly to identify and address problems in a timely manner.

Monitor weather conditions and take preventative measures when prolonged snow cover is expected.

Defeating snow mold in your lawn requires a combination of proactive measures, timely interventions and regular, careful monitoring of the overall health of your lawn.

Once you understand the causes, identify the signs, and implement effective preventative measures, you can ensure that your lawn survives the winter unscathed and vibrant. Use these methods to transform your lawn into a sustainable, thriving landscape that will inspire beauty and freshness all year round.

Pine spindle worm Anamaspis lowi on conifers. What to do?

Conifers such as pines, spruces, firs, larches, thuys, cypresses and others are an integral part of the natural and cultural landscape.  Moreover, conifers are an important component of the ecosystem, as they are able to produce oxygen throughout the year, ensure the absorption of greenhouse gases, protect against erosion and soil degradation. However, the optimal growth and development of conifers is threatened by various insect pests.

A real problem for foresters, gardening and landscape design specialists and coniferous plant enthusiasts has become the pine spindle worm .  Its scientific name is Anamaspis lowi.

This tiny insect can cause damage to coniferous trees if the necessary preventive measures are not taken in time.

In the material let us tell you about how the pine spindle worm looks like, reveal the main features of the life cycle of the insect, how to identify the first signs of its activity on the surface of coniferous plants, as well as what preventive measures are important to prevent the spread of the pine spindle worm.

What does the pine spindle worm Anamaspis lowi look like?

 The  pine spindle worm is a species of pinworm that predominantly infests conifers. These pests are only a few millimetres long and have a distinct spindle shape with a protective covering that helps the insects to camouflage themselves on the surface of the plant; they are difficult to spot with the naked eye.They often accumulate on conifers’ needles and branches.  The insects are characterised by short antennae and a long proboscis and live on needles, shoots and cones of conifers, where it lays eggs and develops.

Life cycle of the pine spindle worm

 Understanding the life cycle of the pine spindle pinworm is very important for effective control. These insects undergo a gradual metamorphosis, the stages of which include egg laying, nymphs (caterpillars), and adults. The caterpillar stage is particularly important as it is a mobile phase during which the insects search for new feeding locations.

There are winged and wingless shield worms. Winged shield worms emerge in late summer and early autumn, when they search for new host plants. wingless pinworms live on conifers throughout the year, forming colonies on needles, shoots and cones.

The female pine shield has a peculiar white shield; overwintering shields feed and lay eggs from spring to autumn. Larvae appearing in May can actively move around and quickly infest new conifers.

 The first signs of pine  pine spindle worm  activity. What one should pay attention to

These are usually the first signs of the pine needleworm’s activity:

Yellowing, wilting, withering, drying, and falling of needles occurs because the spindly pine worm feeds on plant sap, disrupting the plant’s nutrient supply;

Delayed growth and development;

Honeydew: pine pinworms secrete a sticky sugary substance that can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mould. The presence of honeydew is a clear indication that the pinchworm is active and can significantly damage the health of the plant;

Presence of yellow-brown or green insects on needles, shoots and cones of conifers, which can be seen with the naked eye or magnifying glass.

Presence of oval eggs of white and later yellow colour on needles, shoots and cones.

 Preventive Measures 

 Involving natural predators such as ladybirds can help keep pine shield populations under control. These beneficial insects feed on the shields and contribute to a more balanced ecosystem

Adhere to optimal conifer planting densities to prevent competition for sufficient nutrients for growth and development.

  Regular inspection of conifers for signs of pine spindle worm iinfestation is essential, because the earlier you notice the first signs of pine pinworm activity, the more effective the measures to prevent insect infestation and protect the plant will be.

NB: Never treat your plants on your own! Using excessive amounts of chemicals and fertilisers may not give the desired result, but only worsen the general condition and appearance of the plants.

The optimal solution is to contact the specialists of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Phytopathology Centre.

You can order a consultation by phone: +380632851405.

We believe that by following these simple tips you will be able to maintain the health and beauty of your favourite conifers for decades.

 

Pineus pini. Photo from the website ©inaturalist

Pineus pini Hermes on conifers how to identify and control?

The conifers are not only a real evergreen, elegant decoration of forests, natural urban areas or gardens, but also an important part of the ecosystem that is important for the supply of oxygen to humans. They can produce oxygen all year round, but they are threatened by insect pests, in particular pine aphids.

One of the most common species of pine aphids is Pineus pini Hermes.  Let’s focus on how to identify Hermes in time, consider the peculiarities of the insect’s development, and effective methods of plant control and protection.

 How to identify Pineus pini hermes in time?

  Pine aphids (scientific name Pineus pini Hermes) are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of conifers. It is important to notice the first signs of their activity as early as possible in order to prevent the spread of insects timely and reduce the negative effects on various species of pine, fir, thuja, spruce, cypress and other conifers, for which these insects are dangerous because they feed on their sap. Hermes can carry diseases: fusarium, rust, and Schutte.

Adult aphids are usually less than 2 mm long and can be green to brown or black in colour. Their elongated body and distinct antennae distinguish them from other pests common in Ukraine.

A  peculiarity of Hermes Pineus pini is that they form colonies on the surface of the needles of conifers. These colonies can give the needles a spotted appearance, and if the level of infestation is too intense, they can threaten the overall health and decorative effect of the plants. Feeding by aphids can lead to yellowing of the needles, stunted growth, and if preventive protection measures are not taken, even to the death of the plant.

 What do you need to know about the development of Hermes?

To control Pineus pini Hermes effectively, it is important to understand the life cycle of aphids. Aphids go through a complex life cycle and have both winged and wingless forms. In spring, wingless females give birth to live nymphs without the need to mate. These nymphs turn into wingless females, continuing the cycle.

As the population expands, winged forms develop, enabling aphids to move to new locations and infest fresh sprouts.

 Pineus pini. Photo from the website ©inaturalist
Pineus pini. Photo from the website ©inaturalist

Photo from the website ©inaturalist

The insects live on the needles, shoots and cones of conifers, where they lay their eggs and develop. Winged chermes appear in late summer and early autumn.  Wingless chermes live on conifers throughout the year, forming colonies on needles, shoots and cones.

The following first signs of Hermes Pineus Pini activity can be identified:

 – The presence of yellow-brown or green insects on the needles, shoots and cones of conifers, which can be seen with the naked eye or a loupe.

 – The presence of oval, white and later yellow egg deposits on needles, shoots and cones.

 – Damage to conifers, namely: drying, yellowing, needle drop, deformation of shoots and cones, reduced growth, and eventual death.

 Pineus pini. Photo from the website ©inaturalist
Pineus pini. Photo from the website ©inaturalist

Protecting conifers from Hermes and effective control methods

To ensure that conifers are protected from Hermes, it is worthwhile to inspect conifers regularly.

Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resistant to pest damage.

Provide sufficient watering, fertilisation, and maintenance to increase plant resilience.

– Contribute to biodiversity preservation: The diverse ecosystem attracts a variety of beneficial insects that help control aphid populations, and the natural enemies of Hemes are ladybugs, which feed on these insects.

And finally… if you notice the first signs of Hermes activity, the best solution is to seek professional advice from the specialists of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Phytopathology Centre in order to prevent the spread of Hermes on needles growing on your own land or nearby in a timely, effective and environmentally friendly manner.

You can get timely care for the preservation of conifers for the sake of their longevity, development, as well as modern innovative solutions for the protection, prevention of diseases or any other phytopathological or agrotechnological problems by calling: +380632851405

 

Pine bark beetle. Photo from the website © Agrariyi Razom

Underbark pine beetle Aradus cinnamomeus. What to do?

The pine bark beetle (Aradus cinnamomeus) is a dangerous pest that damages pine trees and other conifers. The insect belongs to the Aradidae family, which lives under the bark of trees and feeds on their sap.

The activity of the pine bark beetle causes drying, yellowing, needles falling off, deformation of shoots and cones, reduced growth, fruiting and death of pine trees. The insect transmits various diseases, such as fusarium, shute, rust, which increase the negative impact on plants.

The pine beetle is a widespread pest in Ukraine, where it poses a threat to various types of pine trees, namely: common, mountain, Crimean, black, white, cedar, as well as spruce, fir, larch, thuja, cypress, etc.

In this article, we will tell you how to identify the first signs of pine bark beetle activity, protect plants, and prevent the appearance of this pest.

Identifying the underbark pine beetle

The bark beetle is between three and five mm long. The insect has a flattened body, short antennae and a long stigma. The colour of the insect is very similar to the colour of pine bark, so it is difficult to spot. It lives under the bark scales where it lays its eggs and develops.

There are two forms of pine bark beetle: long-winged and short-winged. Long-winged bugs appear in late summer and early autumn when they are looking for new host plants.  Short-winged bugs live on pine throughout the year, forming colonies on needles, shoots and cones.

The pine bark beetle is identifiable by the following signs:

  – The presence of dark brown or black insects on the bark, needles, shoots and cones of the pine tree, which can be seen with the naked eye or a magnifying glass.

The presence of egg deposits under the bark scales, which are oval in shape and white, and later dark red in colour.

Damage to the pine tree, such as drying, yellowing, needles falling off, deformation of shoots and cones, reduced growth, fruiting, and eventual death of the plant.

Pine bark beetle. Photo from the website © Agrariyi Razom
Pine bark beetle. Photo from the website © Agrariyi Razom

It is worth noting that the activity of the pine bark beetle causes the bark of conifers to become scaly. If the bark of a tree becomes hardened in the lower part of the trunk, the insect moves upwards. In Ukraine, the pine bark beetle is widespread in the north.

How to protect conifers from the pine bark beetle?

If the pine bark beetle has already appeared on a pine tree, you have to take immediate action to kill it and save the plant. To do this, follow these steps:

 – Remove or destroy all infected parts of the pine tree – bark, needles, shoots

 – Choose healthy, strong, bug-resistant pine varieties for planting that are suitable for the climatic conditions of the region, soil, and lighting.

– Maintain the optimum planting density to ensure adequate ventilation and lighting for the pine tree, as well as to avoid excessive competition for nutrients needed for development.

– Ensure regular and rational care of the pine tree, including watering, fertilising, pruning, pinching, cleaning of dry and diseased leaves, needles, shoots, cones.

Prevent the appearance of the bug by following the rules of crop rotation, sanitation, quarantine, and biological control.

 Attention: The sooner you notice the first signs of the pine bark beetle, the more effective will be the measures to prevent its appearance and protect the plant.

Only you can make the first step towards the protection and health of coniferous plantations. Specialists of the Centre for Ecosystem Phytopathology “Green Clinic” will offer the most effective innovative solutions to keep plants decorative, productive and long-lived.

Contact us by phone +380632851405

 

 

Brown aphid (Latin: Aphis pini) Photo from https://vkazivka.com/

Pine trees turn yellow and needles fall off from brown aphids. What to do?

Pine is an evergreen tree that is a real decoration of forests in Ukraine, however, the plant often turns yellow, the needles fall off, and as a result, it loses its aesthetic and environmental value, as well as resistance to low temperatures, dryness, wind and air pollution.

The activity of insect pests has a particularly negative impact on the health and beauty of pine trees. One of the most common of them for pine, spruce, and other conifers in Ukraine is brown aphid (Latin: Aphis pini). The insect feeds on pine sap and causes yellowing of the needles. How to detect, prevent and control brown aphids on pine?

In this article, we will explain how to spot, prevent the spread of brown aphids and protect pine trees from this pest.

How do I spot brown aphids in a timely manner?

The brown aphid is a small insect with a dark brown or black body, red eyes and a long stigma that it uses to pierce pine needles and suck out the sap. Brown aphids have two forms: winged and wingless.

Winged aphids appear in late summer and early autumn when they are looking for new host plants.

 

Brown aphid (Latin: Aphis pini) Photo from https://vkazivka.com/
Brown aphid (Latin: Aphis pini) Photo from https://vkazivka.com/

Wingless aphids live on pine trees throughout the year, forming colonies on needles, shoots and cones. Brown aphids secrete honeydew, a sweet liquid that is trapped by black fungal mould, which gives the pine an unpleasant appearance and smell.

Fallen needles with signs of mould.
Fallen needles with signs of mould.

In addition, brown aphids transmit various diseases, such as fusarium, schutte, and rust. That is why, if you notice the first signs of damage on a pine tree, do not hesitate, as timely preventive measures can help save the plant.

Brown aphids can be spotted by the following signs:

 – The presence of dark brown or black insects on the needles, shoots and cones of the pine tree, which can be seen with the naked eye or a loupe.

– The presence of honeydew, a sweet liquid secreted by aphids that is covered by black fungal mould, which gives the pine an unpleasant appearance and smell.

– Ants are attracted to honeydew, and ants protect aphids from predators.

The presence of damage to the pine, such as yellowing, falling, deformation of needles, shoots and cones, reduced growth, flowering, fruiting, and eventually death.

 Rules for preventing the spread of brown aphids

Brown aphid is a dangerous pest, it is better to prevent its appearance on your land in time than to eliminate the consequences of this insect. In order to prevent its appearance and spread on pine, you should follow these rules:

 – Choose healthy, strong, aphid-resistant pine varieties for planting that are suitable for the local climate, soil, and lighting.

 – Adhere to the optimal planting density to ensure sufficient ventilation and lighting for the pine tree, as well as to avoid competition for sufficient nutrients for optimal development and growth.

– Ensure regular and rational care of the pine tree, including watering, fertilising, pruning, cleaning of dry and diseased leaves, needles, shoots, cones.

Prevent the appearance of aphids by following the rules of crop rotation, sanitation, quarantine, and biological control.

Controlling brown aphids. It is worth knowing

If brown aphids have already appeared on a pine tree, you need to take immediate action to kill them and save the plant. Pine aphids can be effectively controlled by the following means: remove or destroy all infected parts of the pine tree; treat the pine tree with special preparations such as insecticides, acaricides, nematicides.

Pine aphids are a pest that can make you feel bad and ruin your harvest. However, if you monitor the condition of your pine tree and take timely action, you can get rid of it and enjoy the beauty and benefits of your garden, vegetable plot or household plot.

 If you need professional advice, assistance, tips to help identify and eliminate aphids or other problems, please contact us at: +380632851405

 

 

white-azaleas

Flower garden in the spring. Problems and solutions for plants health

Spring is the time when the flower garden wakes up after the winter dormancy and prepares for a new season of flowering. But along with warmth and sunshine come various problems that can prevent plants from growing and developing. What problems can arise in the garden bed in spring and how to solve them?.

In this article we will look at the most common problems that trouble gardeners and share practical tips on how to avoid or solve them.

Problem 1: Frozen or  waterlogged: plants

Winter can be harsh on the flower garden, especially if it has been snowy, freezing or rainy. Some plants can be affected by freezing or wetting, causing them to rot, dry out or die. How do I spot and save frozen or wet plants?.

Frozen plants can be detected by the following signs: they have black, brown or grey spots on leaves, stems or roots; they have soft, flabby or brittle parts; they do not produce sap when a light cut is made on the stem surface. In order to save frozen plants, the following steps should be taken: cut off all damaged parts, reaching the healthy surface of the tree; cover the plants with warm material such as agro fibre, straw, needles or leaves; water the plants with warm water; feed the plants with complex mineral fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements.

It is worth remembering that the use of mineral fertilisers should be moderate and controlled. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers can damage not only individual plants, but also the environment and biodiversity as a whole ecosystem, where all elements are interconnected and very important for further sustainable development.

The following signs can be noticed in plants that are waterlogged: yellow, white or transparent spots on leaves, stems or roots; soft, rotten or slippery parts; they emit an unpleasant odour. To save waterlogged plants, the following steps should be taken: cut back all damaged parts to healthy wood; loosen the soil around the plants to improve drainage; cover the plants with light material such as paper, cardboard, polythene or netting; water the plants with a weak solution of manganese or fungicide; feed the plants with a complex mineral fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements.

Problem 2: Pests and diseases

Spring is a time when not only plants wake up, but also pests and diseases. Some of these can be very dangerous and can lead to serious damage or death. Let’s look at what pests and diseases can appear in your flower garden in spring and how to deal with them.

The most common signs of pest activity are: they leave traces of their presence on plants, such as holes, gaps, egg laying, cocoons, spider webs, mucus, tar, wax, honeydew, excrement; they reduce the vitality of plants, inhibit their growth, flowering, fruiting; they carry diseases and viruses.

For successful pest control, it is necessary to perform the following actions: identify and determine the type of pest; remove or destroy all infected parts of plants; treat plants with special preparations. In order  to prevent the appearance of pests, observing the rules of crop rotation, sanitation, quarantine, biological control.

Diseases can be identified by these signs: changes in the appearance of plants, namely: colour, shape, size, texture of leaves, stems, flowers, fruits.

Problem 3: Correct pruning of plants

Another very important step in preparing a flower garden for spring is pruning plants. Pruning helps to form a beautiful and healthy crown, stimulates flowering and fruiting, prevents diseases and pests. Pruning should be done with sharp and clean tools, making straight and smooth cuts. Depending on the type and kind of plant, pruning has certain peculiarities. Let’s pay attention to the general principles of pruning plants.

 Perennials that bloom in summer or autumn are cut back in spring when the first shoots appear. Plants such as irises, asters, peonies, phlox, lily-of-the-valley, velvets, calendula, etc. are cut back to a height of 5-10 cm from the ground, removing old and damaged leaves and stems.

Spring-blooming perennials are cut back after flowering, when the leaves start to turn yellow. Plants such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, snowdrops, sleep-grass, muscari, crocuses, etc. are cut back to a height of 10-15 cm from the ground, leaving some leaves to accumulate nutrients in the bulbs.

Shrubs and trees that flower in summer or autumn are cut back in spring, before shoot growth begins. Plants such as rose, jasmine, hydrangea, buddleia, spirea, barberry, etc. are cut back to a height of 20-30 cm from the ground, removing old, weak, diseased and frozen wood and shaping the crown.

Shrubs and trees that flower in spring are pruned after flowering, when young leaves begin to grow. Such plants as forsythia, magnolia, lilac, rose hips, dogwoods, kalina, lilacs, etc. are pruned at a height of 30-40 cm from the ground, removing old, weak, diseased and frozen wood, as well as shaping the crown.

white-azaleas
white-azaleas

Hopefully, these tips were useful to you, because by following them you will be able to grow a wonderful spring garden, where your favourite flowers will always bloom, and care for them – give always minutes of joy, peace, comfort.

If you want to find an effective solution to any phytopathological or agro-technological problems, please call us by phone: +380632851405

 

How to prepare a garden for the winter cold?

A garden is not just a source of fresh and tasty fruits, berries, and beautiful flowers, but also a place for relaxation, comfort, and beauty. Therefore, every gardener wants their garden to be healthy, beautiful and fruitful at any time of the year. However, in winter, the garden is exposed to various negative influences, such as frost, snow, wind, sun, pests and diseases.

These factors can cause serious damage to plants if not properly cared for. In this article, we’ll show you how to take care of your garden in winter to preserve its vitality, beauty and productivity.

Trees are the basis of the garden, so their health and well-being largely depend on how you care for them in winter. Here are some tips to help you protect your trees from adverse conditions:

In winter, observe the condition of the trees, especially young and short trees. If snow has accumulated on them, gently shake it off the branches to avoid breaking them. If frost or ice has formed on the trees, do not try to knock it off, as this can damage the bark and buds. It is better to wait until it melts on its own.

How to prune fruit trees correctly?

Before the winter sets in, carry out autumn pruning of trees, removing weak, diseased, damaged and dry branches. This will improve the ventilation and lighting of the crown, prevent the development of fungal and bacterial infections, and reduce the load on the tree during snowfalls.

In autumn, it is also necessary to feed the trees by applying organic fertilisers to the soil. This will increase the immunity of plants, strengthen them, and make them more resistant to cold weather.

Pruning each fruit tree has its own characteristics. Let’s focus on the general recommendations regarding this process:

Carry out the pruning in dry, relatively warm weather, use secateurs, and lubricate the cut points with garden varnish. Dry, diseased old branches should be pruned first, but pruning should be done carefully so as not to damage the tree. You can cut branches growing inside the crown, often they are unnaturally curved and damaged. If you see branches infected with the mistletoe parasite, it is important not to allow the mistletoe to flower.  Mistletoe is carried by birds that peck at its berries and then spread it to healthy trees with their droppings.

How to protect trees from solar damage and pests

To protect trees from solar burns that can occur on clear winter days, wrap their trunks and lower branches with white cloth, paper or agrofibre. This will reflect excess light and heat and prevent temperature fluctuations.

To protect trees from pests and diseases that may become more active in winter, treat the trees with special preparations such as Bordeaux liquid, copper sulphate, urea or garden varnish. This way you will destroy fungi, bacteria, insects and rodents that can damage the trees.

 How to take care of the bushes?

Shrubs also need winter care, especially if they are not hardy or flowering. Here’s what you can do for them:

Before winter, prune the bushes by removing dry, diseased, and damaged branches. This will improve the shape of the bush, accelerate its growth and flowering in the next season.  Fertilise the bushes with organic fertiliser, which will strengthen their roots and branches and increase their resistance to frost and disease.

How to cover the bushes in winter?

Cover the bushes with fabric, agrofibre, straw, leaves or coniferous branches to protect them from frost, snow, wind and sun. Cover not only the top of the shrub, but also its base, where the roots are located. Do not forget to check the condition of the covering regularly and ventilate it on days when there is no frost.

Another way to cover trees in winter is to mulch them with fallen leaves. Birch and oak leaves are best, but make sure they are dry.

Support shrubs with wooden or metal rods to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of the snow. This is especially important for tall and flexible shrubs such as honeysuckle, lilac, barberry or viburnum. Roses, hydrangeas, boxwood, and various types of clematis also need covering.

As you can see, preparing a garden for the winter cold requires attention, time and some effort, but if everything is done correctly, on time, the garden will not only be beautiful and blooming next season, but will also provide a generous harvest of delicious fruits.

In order to get even more effective recommendations for the protection and prevention of plant diseases, order a consultation with the specialists of the Green Clinic Centre for Ecosystem Phytopathology

You can order a consultation with a phytopathologist by following the link

Please call +380632851405

 

Why do pine hawk moth Sphinx pinastri threaten conifers?

The pine hawk moth, Lat: Sphinx pinastri, is a butterfly of the hawk family that is a pest of pine forests of the European continent, Asia, North Africa and North America. In recent years, this moth is increasingly settled in pine forests of Ukraine.

The pest insect feeds on needles, so its activity can cause significant loss of coniferous plants, particularly pines. The butterfly eats needles and the bark of pine trees.

In this article we will tell more about the peculiarities of the biology and distribution of the Pine hawk moth, as well as consider the symptoms of damage to coniferous plants and methods of controlling this dangerous pest.

Biology and distribution of the pine hawk  moth

The pine hawk moth is a nocturnal butterfly, so its activity increases with the onset of dusk, being particularly active from late spring to late summer. The forewings are dark gray in color, which is complemented by two pale spots and thin stripes running along the hindwing.

Females lay eggs in the form of a necklace, their number can reach from 4 to 8 pieces. These eggs are laid on the needles of pine trees, it is rather difficult to notice them on the branches of the tree, because they have a greenish colour, the shape of the eggs is oval, and depressions. Eggs hatch in 20 days.

Pine hawk moth. Photo from © poknok.art

The caterpillar is green-yellow in colour with white stripes. It predominantly eats pine needles, but may threaten other conifers. At the end of June, the caterpillar leaves the tree on which it was feeding and pupates in the litter, fallen leaves or soil near the tree, there it stays until the spring of the next year. In Ukraine it settles wherever pine forests grow.

The pine hawk moth can cause damage not only to pine trees, but also to linden and fir.

If a pine tree is damaged by the pine hawk moth, the plant becomes weakened, loses its beauty, eventually dries out and dies, so it is important to carry out all necessary preventive measures in time to maintain the productivity of the pine tree for the next years or even decades.

The caterpillar is green-yellow in colour with white stripes. It predominantly eats pine needles, but may threaten other conifers. At the end of June, the caterpillar leaves the tree on which it was feeding and pupates in the litter, fallen leaves or soil near the tree, there it stays until the spring of the next year. In Ukraine it settles wherever pine forests grow.

Caterpillar of the pine hawk moth

Photo from © poknok.art

Symptoms of pine hawk moth damage

development, from saplings to adult trees. It is quite difficult to notice the first symptoms of the disease on the surface of the tree, but over time it becomes more noticeable. These symptoms include:

– Change in the colour of needles from green to yellow, brown or red. This indicates a disruption of photosynthesis and interruption of the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the crown.

Falling needles from the tree. The needles can fall either as individual needles or in clusters. Falling needles start from the lower branches and gradually move upwards

– Cracks, wounds, resinous discharge on the bark or trunk of the pine tree. This indicates damage to the wood by caterpillars, fungi or beetles. Resin leaks from cracks on the surface of the trunk as a defence reaction of the tree, but this reaction is not always effective. Resinous secretions can be clear, yellow, brown or black. The resin usually flows out of cracks, wounds.

– Bending, twisting or distortion of shoots, branches of pine trees. This gives reason to talk about the violation of growth, development of the tree under the influence of caterpillars.

– The appearance of blisters, water blisters or growths on the needles.

In conclusion, we would like to add that one of the effective ways to combat the pine hawk  moth is to attract insect-eating birds or to collect and remove pupae and caterpillars of this moth.

In any case, the first step towards the health of your conifers depends only on you!

Specialists of the Centre of Ecosystem Phytopathology “Green Clinic” will reveal the secret of health, beauty and longevity of plants because we care about sustainable development of society, preservation of natural ecosystems for future generations.

Our mission is to support a qualitatively new way of life in harmony between man and the environment around us.

Want more useful advice, looking for modern, innovative solutions, then

Please call +380632851405

 

 

The pine moth is a dangerous pest of coniferous plants

The pine moth (Panolis flammea) is a species of butterfly in the moth family (Noctuidae) that inhabits pine forests in Europe. This pest can cause significant loss of coniferous plants, particularly pines, by eating its needles, branches and bark.

In this article we will look at the peculiarities of biology, distribution, symptoms of infestation and methods of pine moth control.

The pine moth is a nocturnal butterfly that is active from late March to late May. The forewings are bright orange-brown, sometimes dark grey, with two large pale spots and thin stripes running along the hind margin. The hind wings are brown or black in colour. The wingspan of the butterfly is 32-40 mm. Butterflies fly out at dusk and are attracted to light.

Females of this butterfly usually lay eggs on pine needles, doing it in the form of a chain of 4-8 pieces, and up to 25 eggs maximum. The fecundity is 300 eggs. These eggs are yellowish or greenish in colour, oval in shape and the surface is fluted. The eggs hatch in 15-20 days.

The caterpillar is greenish-yellow with black and white stripes. It eats mainly pine, but sometimes other species, mainly conifers, and is a dangerous pest of forests. During 30-40 days of development one caterpillar eats from 170 to 200 needles. There are five stages of caterpillar development. At the end of June, having finished feeding, the caterpillars leave the fodder tree, pupate among fallen leaves or in the soil, where they remain until the next spring. The pupa is brown in colour, with two sharp protrusions at the end of the abdomen.

The pine moth is widespread in Europe, Asia, North Africa, where pine trees grow. In Ukraine, it is found throughout the territory where there are pine forests. It harms not only pine, but also linden and fir.

Pine moth
Photo from the site ©Agrarii razom

Symptoms of pine moth damage

 The pine moth can damage pine trees at all stages of development, from seedlings to mature trees. It is quite difficult to notice the first symptoms of the disease on the surface of the tree, but over time it becomes more noticeable. These include:

–  Change in the colour of the needles from green to yellow, brown or red. This indicates a disruption of photosynthesis and interruption of the flow of water, nutrients from the roots to the crown.

– Falling of needles from the tree. The needles can fall off as individual needles or in clusters. Falling needles start from the lower branches and gradually move upwards

 Appearance of cracks, wounds, resinous discharge on the bark or trunk of the pine tree. This indicates damage to the wood by caterpillars, fungi or beetles. Resin oozes from cracks on the surface of the trunk as a defense reaction of the tree, but this reaction is not always effective. Resinous secretions can be clear, yellow, brown or black. Resin usually leaks from cracks, wounds.

– Bending, twisting or distortion of shoots, branches of pine. This gives reason to talk about the disorder of growth, development of the tree under the influence of caterpillars.

– The appearance of blisters, water blisters or growths on the needles.

It should be noted that effective methods of controlling the harmful activity of the pine moth can be the attraction of insect-eating birds to forests.

Please note! If the number or revival of caterpillars is too intense, the tree is drying out, the needles are falling off, the best solution is to contact the team of specialists of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Phytopathology Centre.

We know how to maintain the health and beauty of pine trees for many years, because our mission is preservation of ecosystems for the sake of successful sustainable development of nature and society.

Please contact us at +380632851405

 

Why do the needles fall off, wither, and why do resinous secretions appear on the bark of pine trees?

Pine is an evergreen tree, which is a real decoration of forests, parks, gardens, homestead areas. This plant has natural healing properties and is often used in landscaping and landscape design, however, in the process of caring for pine trees, various unpredictable situations can occur, when the needles fall off, and you can also see cracks, wounds or resin leaks on the surface of the trunk.

One of the most dangerous diseases that can affect pine trees is the pine trunk nematode. What it is, what insects carry the disease, how to notice the first signs of the disease on the surface of the tree – about all this let us tell you in our article.

What is a pine trunk nematode?

 The pine trunk nematode is a round worm that parasitises the wood of the pine tree, causing it to dry out. If preventive measures are not taken in time, the plant will subsequently lose its beauty or die. Nematodes live in the pine wood, feeding on its cells and also carrying fungi that contribute to the decay of the wood. Bark beetles that gnaw on the bark or trunk of pine trees carry the nematodes in their bodies or intestines. It is possible to transmit the nematode without even knowing it, because timber, sawn wood, sawdust, wood chips, and seedlings of various coniferous tree species can be infected with the nematode.

Next, we will consider which insects most often carry nematodes.

Which insects most often carry nematodes?

 The main carriers of nematodes are bark beetles belonging to the family Curculionidae. These beetles have a long proboscis with which they pierce the bark of pine trees and lay their eggs in the wood. The beetle larvae eat away at the passages in the wood through which the nematodes move.The adult beetles fly out of the tree and fly to pine trees or other conifers growing in your park, garden or backyard, carrying nematodes on their proboscis, legs or in their gut. Bark beetles are most active in warm and humid weather, when the pine tree releases more sap. Among the most common species of bark beetles that can transmit nematodes are the following: pine bark beetle (Pissodes pini), pine longhorn beetle (Hylobius abietis), pine shorthorn beetle (Pachylobius picivorus), pine roundworm (Orchestes fagi).

It is worth noting that the needles shed and wither especially intensively if the pine tree has a moisture deficit, under such conditions the branches affected by the nematode dry out, and fallen needles can be seen on the ground near the trunk.

 How can I spot the first signs of pine needle beetle on the surface of a tree?

Signs of pine stem nematode damage can vary depending on the tree species, degree of infestation, climatic conditions and time of year.

The first signs of the disease on the tree surface may not be very noticeable, but will become more pronounced over time. They include:

Discoloration of the needles from green to yellow, brown or red. This indicates a violation of photosynthesis and interruption of the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the crown.

 – Falling needles from the tree. Needles can fall off both in single needles and in whole bunches. The needle drop starts from the lower branches and gradually rises upwards.

– Cracks, wounds or resinous discharge on the bark or trunk of the pine tree. This indicates damage to the wood by nematodes, fungi or beetles. Resin flows from cracks on the surface of the trunk as a defence reaction of the tree, but this reaction is not always effective. The resinous discharge can be clear, yellow, brown or black. Resin usually flows from cracks and wounds.

 – Bending, twisting or distortion of pine shoots or branches. This indicates a violation of the growth and development of the tree under the influence of nematodes.

The appearance of bubbles, blisters or growths on the needles, shoots or trunk of the pine tree.

– Wilting, yellowing, falling and loss of needles, starting from the top of the tree and gradually spreading down the trunk and branches. The needles can change colour from light green to yellow, red, brown or black. The needles can fall off in whole or in parts, leaving bare shoots.

If you notice at least one of the signs mentioned above, such as resin flowing down the tree trunk, needles falling off, or fallen needles on the ground near the tree, you should take preventive measures to help the plant fight the disease more effectively.

The specialists of the Green Clinic Ecosystem Phytopathology Centre apply the most modern, innovative approaches to conservation and longevity in their practice, because our mission is sustainable environmental development, plant and human health, their life, success, and well-being in harmony with nature.

 Contact us at +380632851405

 

 

Nutrient deficiencies in pine trees. What to do

Pine is a coniferous tree that plays an important role in forestry, gardening and landscape design. Pine is quite frost-resistant, dry-tolerant, long-lived, ornamental tree with medicinal properties. However, in order to keep the plant healthy and beautiful, it needs certain nutrients, which it gets from soil, water and air.

If a pine tree does not receive enough nutrients, it can suffer due to various problems such as: wilting, yellowing, needle fall, stunted growth, reduced resistance to diseases and pests. Therefore, it is important to know what nutrients pine needs and how to identify and correct pine nutrient deficiencies.

What nutrients do pine trees need for growth and development, and how do it affect their health and appearance?

Like any plant, pine needs nutrients, which can be divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those that pine trees consume in the greatest quantities, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). Micronutrients are those that the pine tree consumes in small amounts, but are also important for its functioning, namely iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and chlorine (Cl).

Each nutrient fulfils a specific role in pine tree life, a deficiency or excess of them can lead to various disorders. Here are some symptoms of pine nutrient deficiencies:

– Nitrogen is the main component of chlorophyll, proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids and other organic compounds that are responsible for growth, development, photosynthesis and respiration of pine trees. Nitrogen deficiency leads to reduced intensity of needle colour, yellowing, falling off, stunted growth, and reduced resistance to stress and disease. Nitrogen deficiency appears first of all on old branches and leaves, and then spreads to young ones.

– Phosphorus is an important element for energy synthesis and transfer, participation in pH regulation, formation of cell membranes, nucleic acids, phospholipids and other organic compounds responsible for growth, development, fecundity and winter resistance of pine trees. Phosphorus deficiency leads to reduced growth, stunting, change of needle colour to dark green, purple or brown.

– Potassium is critical to the overall health of the tree, aiding in disease resistance and water absorption. Signs of potassium deficiency include yellowing around the edges of the needles. To solve this problem, use fertilisers with a balanced nutrient profile, ensuring an adequate supply of potassium.

-Iron is essential for chlorophyll production, and iron deficiency often leads to intervein chlorosis, a condition where the areas between veins turn yellow while the veins themselves remain green. The application of iron chelates to the soil can effectively correct iron deficiency.

As practice shows, the most common signs of nutrient deficiency for pine trees are:

– Yellowing of the needles:

– Stunted growth:

– Sparse leaves:

– Changes in the colour of the needles.

How can nutrient deficiencies in pine trees be corrected?

 To correct nutrient deficiencies in pine trees, the following activities can be done:

Soil condition testing

Before implementing any corrective measures, conduct soil condition testing to determine the specific nutrient deficiency affecting your pine trees. This will help you tailor your fertiliser application to the unique needs of the tree.

– Correct fertilizer application:

Choose a well-balanced fertilizer designed for trees, making sure it contains the necessary macro and micro nutrients. Follow the recommended fertiliser rates and schedule, adjusting it based on the results of soil analysis.

-Mulching:

Mulching around the pine tree base helps retain moisture in the soil, regulates temperature, and improves nutrient availability. Organic mulches such as wood chips can slowly release nutrients into the soil as they decompose.

– Corrective pruning:

Remove dead or diseased branches during corrective pruning to direct the tree’s energy to healthier parts. This practice can increase the overall vitality of the tree and improve nutrient utilisation.

 – Professional advice from an expert:

If nutrient deficiencies persist or worsen despite your efforts, seek the advice of a certified tree care professional.

Our team of pine tree care specialists can conduct a thorough assessment of the plant’s health, recommending specialised preventative methods to correct nutrient imbalances.

 

 

Winter care of pine trees and its preparation for the spring growing season

Winter is a time when pines need protection from the negative factors that can occur during the cold season.

One of the main factors of such protection is prevention of formation of conditions under which dehydration of plant tissues is possible. Such dehydration can occur even under the condition of sufficient soil moisture, but the root system of plants under the influence of stress factors may not even take available moisture from the soil, the so-called root deficiency is formed.The highest probability of pine root deficiency is possible in early spring, when the plant evaporates a significant amount of moisture and is unable to compensate for it.

 Activities for the winter care of pine trees

Winter care for pine trees involves such activities:

– Root mulching helps to preserve moisture and heat in the soil, prevents freezing and salinisation of roots, and protects it against rodents. Peat, compost, fallen leaves, straw, needles, bark or other organic materials can be used for mulching. The mulch layer should be 10-15 cm thick and cover the root zone at a distance of 30-50 cm from the trunk.

– Shaking snow off the crown. This helps to reduce the stress on branches from snow and ice, which can break or twist them. To clear the crown, you can use special devices such as snow blowers or simply shake snow off the branches with a stick or broom.

How to prepare pines for the spring growing season?

 The preparation of pines for spring and the growing season begins at the end of winter and continues until the beginning of spring. This period involves stages such as:

– Clearing. You need to clean pine trees in the spring to remove debris, dead needles, branches, cones, and other materials that have accumulated on the soil and on the plants over the winter. Cleaning helps improve the appearance, ventilation, and hygiene of pines, as well as preventing disease and pests.

Cleaning is carried out with a rake, broom, scissors or pruning shears, removing all unwanted material and disposing of it properly. This work should be carried out in dry and warm weather, avoiding injury or infection of the plants.  The best time for cleaning is early March or April, before budbreak and new growth begins.

– Watering. Pine trees need watering in spring to ensure they have enough moisture before the start of the growing season, when they resume their growth and development. Water regularly and abundantly, depending on weather and soil conditions, using 15-20 litres of water per plant. Dehydrated plants wither, attract insect pests and are more susceptible to various diseases such as pine verticillium.

It is worth watering in the morning or evening, avoiding soaking the needles. The optimal watering regime is once or twice a week, starting in mid-March or April when the soil thaws and the buds swell.

– Fertilising. Pine trees need feeding in the spring to provide it with sufficient amounts of nutrients, because it improves the growth and development of trees, and its crown becomes more beautiful.Special, non-chemical fertilisers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, trace elements and organic matter can be used. Fertilisers should be dissolved in water and applied under the root of the plants. Fertilisers should be applied once or twice a month, starting in mid-March or April, when buds open and new growth begins.

-Priming. Pines need pruning in spring to remove dry, damaged, diseased and excess branches and to give the crown the desired shape. Pruning should be done only with sharp and well disinfected tools, the cuts should be even and smooth.

Pruning should be carried out in dry and warm weather, avoiding early and late pruning, which can lead to drying or rotting branches. Pruning should be done carefully and lightly, as pines do not tolerate heavy pruning and are slow to recover. May is the best time to prune pines, it is only during this period that new buds are forming, to limit pine growth, young “candles” are broken out, depending on how much you need to allow the pine to grow.

It is important to observe the condition of the plant even if the soil in the root zone is sufficiently moistened. If it is advisable to seek professional advice if you notice any signs of wilting or shrivelling of pines, it really can save the plant if treatment and preventive measures are taken in time.

Make conifers ready for spring and the growing season

Conifers are a beautiful ornament to any garden or park, delighting the eye with their evergreen colour and fragrance. Conifers have many advantages over deciduous plants, such as frost tolerance, dryness, longevity and low maintenance. However, this does not mean that conifers do not require attention and care, especially in preparation for the growing season.

In this article it will be explained why it is important to check the condition of conifers not only in summer and how to take good care of your conifers in autumn, winter and spring.

Why is it important to check the condition of conifers not only in summer?

Many gardeners think that conifers do not need special care during the cold season because plants do not shed their leaves and do not lose their decorative value.

However, this is a misconception that can lead to poor health and appearance of conifers. In reality, conifers need regular inspections of the condition of their needles, branches, roots, soil and environment throughout the year, not just in summer. This is related to the following factors:

Conifers are not completely dormant like deciduous plants, but continue to vegetate, although more slowly, during the cold season. This means that they require an adequate supply of moisture, nutrients, light and heat to function properly.

– Conifers evaporate moisture through their needles, which remain green and functional in winter. If the root system cannot absorb enough water from the soil due to frost, dryness or salinity, the needles begin to dry out, yellow, turn brown and eventually fall off. This leads to loss of ornamentality, reduced winter hardiness and increased risk of disease, destructive activity of insect pests.

– Coniferous plants are negatively affected by stress due to sudden temperature changes, sunburn, wind, snow, mechanical damage, and other negative factors occurring in the cold season. This also affects on its condition and requires timely diagnostics and correction.Therefore, careful monitoring of the health of coniferous plants is important not only in summer, but also in autumn, winter and spring in order to detect, correct possible problems in time, prevent spread, and ensure optimal conditions for the development of conifers.

How to prepare conifers for the growing season?

The preparation of conifers for the growing season starts in autumn and continues until spring. This period includes the following stages:

– Autumn care. Autumn care of conifers consists of the following activities:

– Watering. Conifers need regular and abundant watering in autumn in order to saturate the roots with moisture before winter. Watering should be done in the morning or evening, avoid soaking the needles. The last watering should be done 2-3 weeks before frost. Avoid excessive moistening or over-drying of the soil.

– Feeding. Conifers need feeding in autumn to replenish the nutrients in the roots and prepare them for winter. Fertilisation should be carried out with products containing potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, micro-elements and organic matter. These products should be dissolved in water and applied under the root of the plants. The last fertilisation should be done a month before frost.

It is important to observe the timing of planting conifers. It is best to plant conifers in early spring – March to April or in autumn – late August to October.

– Pruning. Conifers need pruning in autumn to remove dry, damaged, diseased, excess branches and to give the crown the desired shape. Pruning should be carried out with a sharp and disinfected tool, make smooth and even cuts and treat it with garden varnish. It is important to carry out pruning in dry, warm weather.

If you need expert advice on the care and \ or protection of coniferous plants from cold weather, please contact the specialists of the research centre “Green Clinic” by tel: +380632851405.

Silkworm caterpillar

Pine silkworm Dendrolimus pini. Interesting facts

The pine silkworm Dendrolimus pini is a nocturnal butterfly that belongs to the family Lasiocampidae. This insect is one of the most widespread and dangerous pine pests in Ukraine and other countries.The pine silkworm can cause significant damage to forestry as it damages needles, reduces wood productivity and quality, and promotes the development of other pine diseases and pests.

In this article, we will tell you about some interesting facts about the pine silkworm that may be useful for foresters, ecologists, scientists and nature lovers.

How does the pine silkworm look like?

The pine silkworm has a long and curved snout with mouthparts at the end. The insect’s body is red or brown, and its length is 6-8 mm.

If mass reproduction of the pine silkworm occurs, the insects can destroy entire areas of pine trees, a phenomenon that is possible every 8 years. After the silkworm butterfly, bark beetles (Scolytinae), whisker beetles (Cerambycidae), and buprestids (Buprestidae) may appear on weakened and dried trees.

The pine silkworm is particularly active at dusk and at night. This pest causes damage to other coniferous tree species, but is most dangerous to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), spruce (Picea) or European white fir (Abies alba).

How does the pine silkworm damage pine trees?

The pine silkworm damages pine trees by feeding on its needles. The pine needle borer caterpillars damage the young branches growing on the sides and damage the needles on the sides and near the top.Damaged needles cannot perform its functions properly, which leads to a decrease in productivity and wood quality, as well as a decrease in the aesthetic value of the tree.The pine silkworm also contributes to the development of other pine diseases and pests, such as pine bark beetle, Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr, pine rot, pine moth, etc. These diseases and pests increase the damage to the pine tree, which can lead to its death.The wings of the pine silkworm are very similar in colour to the pine bark, so it is difficult to spot the insect on the surface of a tree. During its development, one  caterpillar can eat 700 needles.

Silkworm caterpillar
Silkworm caterpillar

If you see signs of pine silkworm activity on the surface of a pine tree, do not hesitate to contact us for help, as timely treatment and prevention is the key to saving and improving the health of green spaces.

The red pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer. Consequences for pine trees

 The red pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer is an insect from the group of sawfly that feeds on pine needles. This insect is one of the most widespread and dangerous pine pests in Ukraine and other countries. The activity of the red pine sawfly can lead to significant losses for forestry, as it damages needles, reduces the productivity and quality of wood, and contributes to the development of other diseases and pests of pine. In this article, we will concentrate on the causes, signs, and consequences of the red pine beetle for pine trees.

How to identify the red pine sawfly?

The red pine sawfly is an insect from the class Insecta, order Beetles, family Sawflies. This insect has a long and curved snout with mouthparts at the end. The body of the insect is red or brown in color, with a body length of 6-8 mm. The female lays 10-15 eggs in a cut made by the ovipositor in old needles. Larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on pine needles. The larvae are yellowish-green in colour, with a body length of 15-20 mm. The larvae turn into pupae that live in cocoons under the needles. Adults hatch from the pupae and feed on pine needle pollen. The insect’s development cycle lasts one year.

The red pine sawfly carries the spores of the fungus Ophiostoma brunneo-ciliatum on its body. The fungus lives in the insect’s body and is transferred to new plants. When the insect moves to another tree, it bites through the needles and thus infects it with fungal spores, which penetrate the tree’s blood vessels and block them, leading to the drying up and death of the pine tree.

 Signs of activity of the red pine sawfly?

The signs of the red pine sawfly depend on the developmental stage of the insect and the age of the pine tree. In spring and early summer, elongated orange pads of ecidium appear on seedlings, saplings and young shoots of pine trees, protruding from under the torn epidermis of the plant. It looks like a swelling arranged in a chain. In case of severe damage, the needles become bent, yellow and fall off. Ecidiums, which look like bumps or scars, can form on the pine trunk.

On full-grown pine trees, yellow or brown spots appear on the needles in summer and autumn, which gradually grow larger and merge. The needles lose their elasticity, become dry and brittle. The needles fall off, leaving bare shoots. The tree becomes weakened and more vulnerable to other diseases and pests. The red pine sawfly has natural enemies – its larvae are fed by forest ants – Formica sp, bedbugs, spiders.

 What are the consequences of the red pine beetle for pine trees?

The red pine sawfly has a negative impact on pine trees because it damages the needles, which are the main organ of photosynthesis and respiration of the plant. Damaged needles cannot effectively perform their functions, which leads to a decrease in productivity and wood quality, as well as a decrease in the aesthetic value of the tree.

The red pine sawfly also contributes to the development of other pine diseases and pests such as Ips acuminatus, Melampsoma pinitorqua Rostr, pine rot, pine moth, etc. These diseases and pests increase the damage to the pine tree, which can lead to its death. The red pine beetle also has a negative impact on the ecosystem, as it reduces biodiversity, disrupts the balance between plants and animals, and reduces the ecological sustainability and productivity of the forest.

Ophiostoma fungi

Ophiostoma fungi and the bark beetles that transfer it

The Ophiostomatales are a group of fungi that cause diseases in trees, animals and humans. Ophiostomatal fungi belong to the type Ascomycota, class Sordariomycetes, order Ophiostomatales. A characteristic feature of ophiostomal fungi is the presence of special structures – ophiostomes, which are narrow tubes through which the fungal spores pass. Ophiostoma fungi can be saprotrophs, parasites or symbionts.

Some ophiostoma fungi cause serious diseases, such as Dutch elm disease, blue-brown wood rot, alder disease, pine leaf curl disease, etc.

Bark beetles are a group of insects belonging to the class Insecta, order Beetles, superfamily Curculionoidea.

Bark beetles have a long, curved snout with mouthparts at the end. Bark beetles feed mainly on plant food, biting through plant tissue with their snouts. Certain types of bark beetles are pests of agriculture and forests, such as pine bark beetle, spruce bark beetle, elm bark beetle, apple bark beetle, etc.

Ophiostomal fungi and bark beetles are closely related. This relationship can be parasitic, symbiotic or commensal. Some ophiostoma fungi use bark beetles as vectors for transferring its spores to new plants.

For example, the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi, which causes Dutch elm disease, is carried by the bark beetle Scolytus scolytus, which feeds on the bark of the elm tree. The fungus produces spores in ophiostomes that are placed on the body of the bark beetle when it bites through the bark. When the bark beetle moves on to another tree, it infects it with the fungal spores, which penetrate the tree’s water vessels and block it, causing the tree to dry out and die.

Some bark beetles use ophiostoma fungi as a source of nutrients or protection from predators. For example, the pine bark beetle Ips typographus, which feeds on pine bark, cohabits with fungi from the genus Ceratocystis, which produce spores in ophiostomes.Fungi provides the bark beetle with nitrogen, carbohydrates and vitamins, and produces toxins that repel predators and competitors. The bark beetle and the fungus form a symbiotic association that enhances its ability to survive and reproduce.

Some species of ophiostoma fungi and bark beetles have no direct influence on each other, but coexist on the same substrate. For example, the fungus Ophiostoma piceae, which causes blue-brown rot in wood, lives on pine bark, which is damaged by the pine bark beetle Tomicus piniperda, which feeds on pine wood. The fungus and the bark beetle do not interact with each other, but both use the resources of the pine tree, which leads to its weakening and death.

Ophiostoma fungi usually appear on the surface of the tree, as the typical blue wood on the trunk.If the fungus gets on the tree with an insect, it develops rapidly in the bast and sapwood, interferes with the water supply of the pine tree, the supply of nutrients to the tree, which leads to its drying out and inevitable death, therefore it is important to carry out prevention and treatment timely if you want to save your trees.

Ophiostoma fungi

Ophiostoma fungi and bark beetles are important components of ecosystems that affect plants, animals and humans. Some of them are beneficial, while others are harmful. In an effort to preserve biodiversity and health, it is necessary to study their biological and ecological characteristics and their interaction in the environment.

Read more about Ips acuminatus та Ips typographus

Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr. Symptoms and prevention

Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr it is a fungal disease of pine trees caused by the fungus Melampsora populnea. The fungus has two types of plants on which it develops and multiplies: pine, aspen or poplar. The disease has this name because it bends the branches of the tree.

On aspen, the fungus causes white or pink blisters on the leaves, which also contain spores. The spores are transferred from aspen or poplar to pine and vice versa in spring or summer.  Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr can cause the needles to dry out and fall off, shoots to become bent, and young trees to die.

What are the symptoms of Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr.?

The symptoms of Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr depend on the stage of development of the fungus and the age of the pine tree. On aspen or poplar, white or pink blisters containing spores appear on the leaves in summer. If the aspen or poplar is severely affected, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. This disease is particularly damaging to young pines, causing deformation of the trunk and the top of the tree to die.

In Ukraine, signs of the  Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr have been found in Lviv, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr is is most common in the forests of Polissya and the forest-steppe.

If a young pine tree is affected by the Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr you can spot it by the following external signs:

– The lateral shoots are severely bent and the apical shoot dies off altogether;

– On the seedlings of young pine shoots in spring and early summer, elongated orange pads of ecidium appear, protruding from under the torn epidermis of the plant. They look like swellings arranged in a chain.

– In case of severe damage, the needles become bent, yellow and fall off.

– The trunk of the pine tree may develop ecidium in the form of tubercles or scars.

– The growth of the pine stops and after a while the tree dies.

How to prevent and treat the Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr?

To prevent and treat the pine beetle, it is important to apply complex measures that include agronomic and biological methods:

 – Agronomic methods. These methods include selecting healthy, resistant pine varieties, maintaining optimal growing conditions, timely pruning and fertilising trees, keeping the garden clean and tidy, identifying and destroying infected trees, avoiding planting pine with aspen or poplar, and destroying fallen aspen and poplar leaves containing fungal spores.

– Biological methods involve the use of biological control agents, namely beneficial organisms that destroy fungi or their spores. For example, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii can be used to infect and kill the larvae of the Hermes, which is one of the vectors of the pine beetle. You can also use entomophages, such as predatory ticks, bees, ants that feed on the larvae of the Hermes or other insects that spread the fungus spores.

It is worth noting that it is Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr it is a serious problem for pine trees that requires a careful and integrated approach. If you take care of your pines, monitor their condition, detect and eliminate Melampsora pinitorqua Rostr in time, and our team of specialists will always offer the most effective solution to maintain the health and beauty of pines for years or even decades.

 

How to identify pine resin canker or gray mould?

Pine resin canker is a fungal disease that affects the trunks and branches of pine trees, causing wounds that leak resin. This disease can lead to weakening, deformation and death of the tree. In this article, we will describe the first symptoms of pine resin canker and how to spot it.

What is pine resin canker and how does it occur?

Pine resin canker is a disease caused by various species of fungi in the Cronartiaceae family, such as Cronartium flaccidum, Peridermium pini, Endocronartium pini and others. These fungi are dioecious, meaning that they have two or more plant species on which they develop and reproduce. One of the hosts is pine, and the other is various types of herbaceous plants, such as willow, mint, chamomile, dandelion, nettle and others.

The disease appears as wounds covering the tree trunk. These wounds are of different lengths, elongated, and the size of the wound is constantly increasing. On the surface of the tree, where the disease develops, the bark begins to peel off, and then falls off.

If the pine tree is affected by resinous cancer or greying, the crown begins to shrink, and insect pests settle in the trunk.  It is important to take timely rescue measures, because the tree will weaken and may die.

Fungi get on the pine tree from the air, from fallen needles, from damaged parts of the tree or from other sources. Fungi penetrate the wood through wounds, pores, cracks or stomata (gas exchange holes). Fungi develop in the wood, producing mycelium (branching structure) and spores (reproductive elements). Fungi suck water and nutrients from the wood, which causes it to dry out, delaminate and rot. Fungi also produce toxins that poison the tree and disrupt its physiological processes. Fungi spread to other parts of the tree or to other trees through spores that are carried by wind, water, animals or people.

What are the first symptoms of pine resin canker and how can they be detected?

The first symptoms of pine resin canker can appear at any time of the year, but they are most often noticeable in spring or summer. Here are some of them:

 – Ulcers on the bark. This is the most characteristic and early symptom of pine resinous cancer. Cracks appear on the bark of the trunk or branches, from which resin leaks out. The resin dries up and forms resinous cones or streams, which can be variously coloured from yellow to black. Ulcers can be of various sizes and shapes, from round to irregular. The ulcers can be located at any height of the trunk or branches, but more often it is in the lower part of the crown or at the base of the trunk

– Deformation of the trunk or branches. This is a symptom that occurs as a result of blocking the movement of nutrients in the wood. In the areas affected by the fungus, the wood becomes dry and brittle, while in the undamaged areas, intensive growth occurs. This causes the trunk or branches to become crooked, twisted, split or cracked. The deformation may be visible from a distance or on close inspection.

– Drying and falling of needles. This is a symptom caused by fungal toxins in the tree. The needles turn yellow, brown or red, dry and brittle. The needles can fall off the tree or remain on it, but without any vital signs. Drying and falling of needles can start from the top of the crown or from individual branches and spread over the entire surface of the tree.

 Do not neglect the first symptoms of resinous cancer, if you notice them on the surface of a pine tree, please contact us at +380632851405

 The team of the Green Clinic Centre for Ecosystem Phytopathology will offer the most effective prevention and treatment methods to preserve your green spaces.

Rust of pine and spruce: What should you know?

Rust is one of the most common and dangerous fungal diseases of conifers, which can lead to the drying out and death of plants. Rust affects various types of conifers, but is particularly common on pine and spruce. In this article, we will talk about the causes and symptoms of rust on pine and spruce.

What is rust and how does it occur?

Rust is a group of fungal diseases that are characterised by the appearance of multi-coloured rashes on the needles, branches or trunks of conifers that look like rust on metal. These rashes are fungal spores that are spread by wind, water or animals and infect other plants. Rust can lead to discolouration, deformation, drying and falling of the needles, and even death of the tree.

Pine and spruce rust can be either dioecious or monoecious. Dioecious rust means that the fungus has two or more plant species on which it develops and reproduces. Monoecious rust means that the fungus has one plant species on which it develops and reproduces. Dioecious rust is more dangerous because it can be transferred from one plant species to another and spread more quickly.

If a pine or spruce tree is infected with rust, then the tree gradually dries up, but at the same time, it infects other trees growing nearby, such as other pines or fruit trees on the ground. Pine rust, or bubble rust as it is also called, can develop over 2-3 years, it is a parasitic fungus that can have several host trees. If the full cycle of the fungus development is completed, the host tree dies. The rust usually affects two host trees, and 4-5 cycles of fungal development occur on the surface of these trees.

Why is pine and spruce rust actually called?

Pine and spruce rust is called so because of the appearance of the fungal fruiting bodies, which are bright orange in colour. These can be spore boxes on the branches and trunk of a pine tree or small spore bubbles on the needles. It looks like an accumulation of bright orange spores, and the area of the tree where they appear begins to corrode.

Mature rust fungus spores look like a fine powder that quickly spreads over long distances in the wind, thus overcoming tens of thousands of kilometers, which makes it difficult to determine why the plant was infected. The rust spores germinate in the smallest damage to the bark and needles of pine trees, and the disease can spread to both weakened and healthy trees.

If a pine or spruce tree is severely affected by rust, billions of fungal spores can form on the surface of the diseased tree, which, accordingly, poses a threat of infection to other types of coniferous plantations.

Rust can damage all types of pine trees, for example, cedar, Weymouth pine, lodgepole pine is more often affected by blister cancer, the causative agent of which is the fungus Melampsora pinitorqua.

Rust can cause problems such as witches’ brooms, poor tree growth, galls, and overgrowth of plant tissue.Rust spores are very difficult to spot in the early stages of the disease. Usually, it becomes clearly visible on the surface of the tree when an ugly thickening – a cancerous wound – forms in the place of their accumulation.

Black pines are particularly susceptible to rust, and these are the trees most often used in landscaping. If a pine tree is affected by rust, the crown of the tree dries up and the needles turn a bright brown colour, but the needles do not fall off immediately, so it is important to contact our specialists for help and advice in time.

 

Schütte is a disease of conifers: Varieties and signs

Conifers are an indispensable element of landscape design that creates an atmosphere of comfort, freshness and beauty. However, conifers also need careful maintenance and protection from various diseases that can worsen their appearance. One of the most common and dangerous diseases of conifers is shute, a group of fungal diseases that cause the needles to dry out and fall off.

 In this article, we will discuss the types and signs of shute, as well as ways to combat this disease.

What is Schutte and how does it occur?

 Schütte is a common name for a number of fungal diseases of conifers that cause damage to the needles and their death. The name comes from the German word schütten, which means “to pour”, “to crumble”. Schütte can affect various types of conifers, including pine, fir, spruce, cedar, cypress, thuja, juniper, etc. Schütte can be caused by various types of fungi, such as lophodermium, facidium, hypodermella, meria, diplodia, microsphere, rhizophaga, rhizosphere, sphenopsis, phomopsis, phomospore, fusarium, cercospora, cilindrocarpon, etc.

Each type of fungus has its own characteristics of development, distribution and symptoms, but common to all is that they use the needles as a source of nutrients and water, disrupting its structure and functions.

Schutte is caused by a fungus infection of the needles that is transferred from the air, fallen needles, damaged parts of the plant or other sources. The fungus enters the needles through microtraumas, pores, wounds or stomata (gas exchange holes). The fungus develops in the needles, producing mycelium (branching structure) and spores (reproductive elements). The fungus extracts water and nutrients from the needles, which leads to dryness, discolouration, deformation and death. The fungus also produces toxins that poison the plant and disrupt its physiological processes. The fungus spreads to other parts of the plant or to other plants through spores that are carried by wind, water, animals or people.

 What types of Schutte are there and what are the first signs?

 Schütte can be divided into different types according to different criteria, such as the type of fungus, the type of conifer, the time of development, the symptoms, etc. Here are some of them:

 Real. The first signs of the disease can be seen in spring. A white coating appears on the needles of conifers, after a certain period the coating darkens, and the needles turn brown and begin to crumble. In autumn, elongated black spots can be seen on the branches of needles remaining on the tree, which are the winter foci of the pathogens of true shute.

Brown.  On the surface of the branches of the affected plants, you can see a dense coating of black or brown cobwebs, the needles stick together and can remain on the tree for a long time.

Common spruce and pine needle shute. Causes the needles to change colour to red-brown, and black longitudinal stripes may appear, while the needles may not fall off for 1-2 years.

Snowy. This name of the disease comes from the way the disease penetrates – through the snow. The thickness of the snow is an ideal environment for the development of this fungus. The higher the snow cover, the more the tree is affected. The brown colour of the needles is the first symptom of snowy needle blight, as a rule, the disease affects the old branches of the tree.

Grey pine needle shute. Infected needles turn yellow and then grey. It most often affects larch, and has a high reproduction rate. If the tree is infected, black dots appear on the tips of the needles, the needles curl in places and turn brown.

The control of Schutte involves an integrated approach that includes prevention, diagnosis, monitoring

Prevention. This method consists in preventing the appearance and spread of shute by following the rules of agricultural technology, such as: choosing healthy and resistant varieties of conifers, observing optimal growing conditions, carrying out timely pruning, fertilising plants, keeping the garden clean and tidy, identifying and destroying infected plants, using biological protection products (for example, beneficial organisms that destroy fungi).

Diagnosis. This method consists in the timely detection of shute by carefully examining the plants for symptoms of the disease, such as: discolouration, dryness, deformation, needle death, spots, strokes, ulcers, passages on the needles or bark.

  Monitoring. This way is to control the effectiveness of the control of shute by periodically inspecting the plants for the condition of the needles, bark, trunk, branches, roots, as well as for the presence of fungi.

Of course, these are not all types of shute that cause damage to conifers in Ukraine, so we will certainly tell you more about this complex of diseases with similar symptoms and different pathogens.

Don’t neglect the first signs of schutte if you notice it on the surface of a tree, because it is a very dangerous disease that can cause the death of your coniferous plantations.

 Timely assistance is the key to saving trees and saving money. The best solution is to contact us by phone: +380632851405, because our team of specialists knows the secret of plant health and longevity.

 

The top bark beetle (Latin Ips acuminatus)

Ips acuminatus & Ips typographus.How to spot it in time?

Bark beetles are a group of insects that belong to the family Curculionidae and the subfamily Scolytinae. These insects feed on the bark and wood of conifers, especially pine and spruce. Bark beetles can cause serious damage to forest plantations, causing tree dieback and death.

In this article, you will learn about two of the most common and dangerous species of bark beetle in Ukraine: the treetop bark beetle (Ips acuminatus) and the typographical bark beetle (Ips typographus), which are worth knowing to keep trees healthy for decades and longer.

The top bark beetle (Latin Ips acuminatus) is a beetle 2.5-3.7 mm long. The body of the insect is cylindrical, dark brown in colour. The larva is up to 4 mm long.

It damages the bark and upper branches of pine trees, usually attacking branches with thin bark and trees weakened by snow and wind. There is a danger of massive reproduction of the treetop bark beetle in the event of drought, tree damage or other adverse climatic factors that can cause disease or tree death.

The larvae of the top bark beetle are translucent, white in colour, and during the winter the larvae and pupae remain under the bark. If the plant is well saturated with moisture, it resists the treetop bark beetle as well as the typographical bark beetle. As a result of climate change and rising temperatures, pine trees are becoming more vulnerable to attack by the treetop bark beetle (Ips acuminatus) and the typographical bark beetle (Ips typographus).

The top bark beetle (Latin Ips acuminatus)

The typographical bark beetle (Lat: Ips typographus) is a black-brown insect, shiny, 4.2 to 5.5 mm long, with a large tubercle in the middle of the front of the forehead.The elytra are cylindrical, brown in colour and shiny. Near the end of the elytra, you can see a matte depression covered with tiny punctures, the depression is called a “wheelbarrow”. Four pairs of teeth are located along the edges of the wheelbarrow. The typographical bark beetle has yellow antennae. The typographical beetle attacks healthy spruce trees, but also fir and pine. The young beetles erode the bark, gnawing out 6 to 12 cm long passages. Young beetles and larvae overwinter under the bark.  If a pine or spruce tree has dried up, it means that there is a lot of bark beetle in the litter within a radius of 3 metres around the dried tree. The typographical bark beetle settles in the area of thick and transitional bark.

The following signs of the treetop bark beetle and the typographical bark beetle activity can be identified:

The needles of the affected tree become dull, then turn yellow, brown, and begin to fall off;

-Small round holes or passages in the bark can be seen parallel to the axis of the tree;

-The crowns of the trees turn red.

– You may notice sawdust near the trunk or fallen branches.

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not waste time and call us at +380632851405, because timely assistance will help keep your green spaces healthy, and our team will find the most effective solution to the problem. Only you can make the first step towards preserving green spaces!

Lat. Hylobius abietis

Insect pests of pines: how to identify them?

Pines are beautiful and useful trees that are a feature of our forests, parks and gardens. However, pines are also attractive to many insect pests that can cause serious damage.

In this article, we will talk about the most common insect pests of pines and how to easily identify them to protect the trees in time, saving you effort, time and money.

It is possible to distinguish the most common types of insect pests for pines:

  • Lat. Hylobius abietis it is a small black insect with red spots on its wings that feeds on pine needles. The beetles gnaw on the needles from both sides, and their larvae make passages under the bark, disrupting the tree’s sap flow. The Pine Beetle ёcan destroy complete stands of pine trees, especially young and weakened trees. The beetles appear in late May – early June and are active until mid-July. They lay eggs in the needles, from which larvae hatch in 10-15 days. The larvae live in the needles for 2-3 weeks and then turn into pupae. New beetles emerge from the pupae, which overwinter under the bark of trees or in the soil.

     Lat. Hylobius abietis
    Lat. Hylobius abietis
  • Lat: Diprion pini It is a large yellow insect with black stripes on its body that belongs to the wasp family. Female sawflies lay their eggs in the needles of pine trees, and their larvae live in tunnels that they gnaw into the needles. The activity of the  Diprion pini   can lead to the drying and falling of needles, as well as to a decrease in the winter hardiness of trees.  They are most likely to settle in young pine trees; they most often live in pine and mixed forests.
    Larvae of the Diprion pini
    Larvae of the Diprion pini

     

  • Lat: Scolytinae It is a small brown insect that belongs to the weevil family. Pine bark beetles eat the bark of pine trees, and their larvae live under the bark, chewing on the wood. Pine bark beetle can cause the death of branches, the formation of resinous sores on the bark, and the death of trees. To prevent this pest, you should carry out sanitary pruning and clean the bark from lichens and moss.

    Scolytinae
    Scolytinae

The following damage to pines is usually caused by insect pests.

  • Damaged needles. Pine needles damaged by the Diprion pini  have specific features: it becomes yellow, dry, brittle and falls off.The needles may show entrance holes with resin protruding from it, as well as tunnels that have been gnawed by the larvae. Damaged needles are usually found on the lower branches of the tree, but can also spread higher up.
  • Damaged bark. It becomes dark in colour, cracks and peels off. Under the bark, you can see the passages that wasps make for wintering, as well as ulcers that form as a result of wasps emerging from pupae. Damaged bark is usually located on the lower part of the trunk.

Next, let’s talk about the negative consequences for pine trees as a result of insect pests.

  • Reduction of decorative effect. Pine trees that have been attacked by the Diprion pini lose their decorative effect as their needles turn yellow, dry and fall off. Such trees look unhealthy and unattractive.
  • Reduced photosynthesis. Such trees produce less oxygen and organic matter, thus affecting their growth and development.

 Reduced yields. Such trees produce fewer cones and seeds, which affects their reproduction and distribution.

  • Reduced resistance to cold weather. Such trees become more vulnerable to low temperatures and can dry out if the damage has reached a critical level, affecting the trees viability.

. You may not be even aware of the activity of insect pests until the results of their destructive activity become visible and noticeable on the branches or trunks of pine trees. If you notice such signs on the trees, the best solution is to contact us, because our team of specialists will take care of your green spaces and will provide the most effective solution to the problem.

Of course, this list of insect pests of pines can be continued, so we will certainly tell you about other species in future articles.

 

Autumn garden care: What is worth knowing?

 

Autumn is the time when the garden needs special attention and care. The autumn planting season will help prepare plants for winter, improve soil conditions, prevent diseases and pests, and ensure a good harvest for the following year. In this article, we will tell you about the main autumn garden work that you should do to make your tree garden delight you with its beauty and productivity.

Here’s a list of autumn garden work we recommend:

– Pruning trees and shrubs. Pruning trees and shrubs helps to rejuvenate them, form a crown, increase productivity and disease resistance. Pruning should be done in late September – early October, when the plants have already completed their growing season and are dormant.When pruning, remove damaged, diseased, dry, broken, crossed and excess branches. You should also cut back branches that are too long and thin and could break from the snow. The cut areas should be treated with garden varnish or special antiseptics.

– Plant nutrition. Fertilising plants in autumn helps them recover from fruiting, saturates the soil with nutrients, and increases plant resistance to frost and stress. It should be done in mid to late September, when the plants have not yet lost their leavesYou can use organic fertilisers (e.g. compost, manure, fallen leaves) for fertilisation. Fertilizer should be spread evenly over the soil surface, followed by light loosening and watering.

– Frost protection. Frost protection is necessary for those plants that cannot withstand severe frosts or are sensitive to temperature changes.Frost protection should be taken care of in late October – early November, when the plants have already shed their leaves and stopped growing.Various materials can be used for protection, such as straw, spruce branches, dry grass, and mulch from fallen leaves.   

For better heat retention, cover the trunk of the plants and the root zone with organic materials. At the same time, avoid covering too tightly to prevent the development of fungi and rotting of the root system of the trees.

– Pest and disease control. Preventing pests and diseases in the autumn helps to get rid of them for a long time, prevent their spread and reduce the risk of plant damage. Pest and disease control should be carried out in August – September, when it is still possible to perform plant treatment. Mechanical methods can be used for control (e.g., collecting and destroying infected plant parts, cleaning the bark of lichens and moss, setting up catching belts and traps).

As you see, autumn garden care works is not so complicated, but it is very important for maintaining and improving the condition of plants. If you do this work in good time and with high quality, you will be able to enjoy your garden not only in autumn, but also in winter, spring and summer.