Whether Japanese maple, golden maple or Japanese maple - the numerous species and varieties of Japanese maple can be found in many gardens. Basically, the exotic tree is quite robust against diseases and pest infestation, it is only not immune to the dreaded and dangerous Verticillium wilt. Instead, the Japanese maple, like all maples, is considered to be particularly susceptible to this fungal plant disease.
If the Japanese maple is in an unfavorable location, it is more likely to be attacked by Verticillium wilt
symptoms
Verticillium wilt is caused by fungi of the Verticillium genus, which mostly live in the soil and also invade the plant from there. A possible infestation can be recognized by the following symptoms:
- until recently strong, green leaves are wilting
- Foliage is pale in color and limp
- if the infestation is already severe, the bark is no longer smooth but cracked
- Branches and shoots die off for no apparent reason
When making a diagnosis, however, it should be noted that some symptoms can also have other causes. Flabby, dry leaves, for example, can also indicate a lack of water or, on the contrary, waterlogging. So before you take drastic measures, first of all, focus on finding the exact cause.
combat
Unfortunately, it is not possible to successfully treat the fungus with a fungicide, and various home remedies are not helpful either. The only way to combat it should be as early as possible and as soon as the first signs appear - however, even then the infested Japanese maple can only rarely be saved.
- Cut away the affected areas generously
- and treat the interfaces just as generously with tree wax.(12.96€)
- If possible, dig up the sapling
- and put it in a bucket of fresh soil.
- Then disinfect the cutting tool thoroughly
- and never throw the highly infectious clippings on the compost.
Above all, make sure that you do not plant any more plants susceptible to Verticillium wilt after the affected location, as the pathogen remains in the soil. Before replanting, the soil should definitely be replaced.
prevention
You can only prevent an infection with the Verticillium fungus by carefully selecting the location, for example by not planting susceptible plant species (such as the Japanese maple) where the pathogen has already appeared. Incidentally, this also applies to new planting after replacing the soil. Even then, trees that are as resistant as possible should be selected.
tips
Pears, walnuts, oaks and willows are considered to be resistant to Verticillium wilt. Conifers are also considered to be comparatively insensitive.