There are a number of diseases and pests that the horse chestnut, which looks so robust, can suffer from. One of them is the horse chestnut leaf miner. This little animal was originally only found in parts of Greece, Albania and Macedonia.

The horse chestnut leaf miner is widespread

In the meantime, the approximately 5.5 mm large moth has conquered Central Europe. The first clear sign of an infestation is brownish leaves or brown spots on the foliage in summer. This happens through the feeding tunnels of the larvae.

Why is the horse chestnut leaf miner dangerous?

The moth itself probably does not eat anything during its short lifespan. But their larvae are all the more voracious. Their mines, as the feeding passages are also called, interrupt the water and nutrient supply. The leaves then wither prematurely, but this does not lead to the death of the tree. However, an affected chestnut is significantly weakened, which increases the risk of further diseases. In addition, the crop yield decreases.

Which trees does the horse chestnut leaf miner attack?

The horse chestnut suffers most from the horse chestnut leaf miner, but other species of horse chestnut or sweet chestnut are also affected. Larvae and pupae have also been found on various maples. However, the moth causes the greatest damage to the horse chestnut tree.

What can I do against the horse chestnut leaf miner?

The best way to prevent horse chestnut leaf miner infestation is to collect and destroy fallen leaves every day in autumn. This prevents the larvae from crawling into the ground to hibernate. Traps with sex attractants and glue rings on the trunks of the chestnuts should also keep the moth away. In the case of a severe infestation, the use of chemical agents should be considered. An alternative to this is neem oil.

Can I still save a sick horse chestnut?

The horse chestnut leaf miner significantly weakens the infested chestnut but does not kill the tree. In this way, the chestnut can certainly be saved. However, it is important that you prevent another infestation next year. You achieve this by destroying the foliage. Do not simply dispose of the leaves on the compost, otherwise the larvae will survive there and will be distributed throughout the garden with the mature compost.

If you have a lot of birds in your garden, then these take over a large part of your plant protection. They now also eat the larvae and pupae of the horse chestnut leaf miner, thus helping to contain the pests.

The essentials in brief:

  • originally from Greece, Albania and Macedonia
  • now also at home in Central Europe
  • Larva very voracious
  • Moth probably won't eat at all
  • first signs: brown spots or leaves
  • Significant damage to the horse chestnut
  • effective means: neem oil, glue rings, traps, predators, chemical substances

tips

If you give native birds a home in your garden, then you have to worry far less about combating horse chestnut leaf miners and other pests.

Category:

Trees