The robinia is actually a very robust deciduous tree. Unfortunately, she also has some pests or diseases to which she is not immune. In this case, the tree needs your support, because with the right knowledge, you can quickly get rid of the parasites. The prerequisite is, of course, the earliest possible detection. That is why we are presenting the three most common symptoms of robinia here.
Leaf discoloration can indicate disease
Common diseases of black locust
Among the three most common diseases that occur specifically on the robinia
- the black locust leaf miner
- the Phloespora leaf spot disease
- aphids
The Black Locust leaf miner
Unfortunately, the pest imported from America has no natural predators in this country. The butterfly lays its eggs on the leaves of the black locust. The hatched larvae then feed on the foliage. Correspondingly, meandering feeding marks are visible on the leaves. Fortunately, the moth does not endanger the health of the black locust. An intervention is therefore not necessary. If the tracks still bother you visually, simply collect the caterpillars from the leaves.
The Phloespora leaf spot disease
This is a fungus that often spreads on robinia trees. Its appearance is particularly likely after rainy springs. Centimeter-sized, round spots on the leaves or on the shoots of the leaf stalks are characteristic. The shape of the leaves changes over the course of the year, and their edges are often torn. Although this pest does not necessarily threaten the existence of your robinia, you should not stand idly by in the event of Phloespora leaf spot disease. Remove all affected branches with a hard pruning. Only if there is no improvement afterwards should you think about using chemical agents.
aphids
Although aphids do not only occur on the robinia, they seem to particularly like the deciduous tree. If it is detected early, simply hosing it off with a water hose helps. Curd soap dissolved in water achieves an even better effect. Tinctures mixed with oil also bring success in the fight against the parasites. The most natural treatment is to put predators such as wasps or flies on the black locust. However, the chances of success are not 100%.