Catkin willows are robust plants that can be easily cultivated in the garden at home. Rarely can the Salweide be conquered by pathogens. But every now and then symptoms of illness appear that change their appearance significantly. Anything to worry about?
Leaves infected by willow rust should be removed immediately
The three most likely diseases
We can observe several diseases in the willow, but the ones listed below are probably the most common. Also because two of them can also appear on countless other plants in the garden and the way to the catkins is not far.
- powdery mildew
- leaf spot diseases
- willow rust fungus
powdery mildew
There is hardly a gardener in this country who is unfamiliar with this fungal disease. Again and again he has to fight with her, because she doesn't seem to spare any plant. Maybe the kitten willow is next. But a pasture that has been healthy to date will be able to withstand this fungal pathogen well, so that no action is necessary. Otherwise you can do the following:
- cool and humid climate favors the fungal disease
- then pay attention to possible symptoms and act early
- the white coating on the upper side of the leaves is unmistakable
- Cut off and discard infected parts of the plant
- Spray several times with garlic stock or milk-water mixture
leaf spot diseases
Differently shaped and colored leaf spots are the visible part of leaf spot disease. She cannot be fought. Contain them by cutting off and destroying infected leaves. Prevent by planting the kitten willow in a suitable location and caring for it as needed.
willow rust fungus
Willow rust can occur in early summer, which is triggered by a host-changing rust fungus. It is important to identify the host plant, otherwise infestations will recur. It can become problematic if the host plant is on the neighboring property. These are the visible symptoms:
- yellowish spots on the upper side of the leaves
- yellowish spore coating on the undersides of the leaves
- yellowed leaves when heavily infested
- possibly premature leaf fall
Pluck off infected leaves or cut shoots back into healthy wood. Plants that cannot be saved in this way must be completely removed from the garden.
tips
After you have removed the infested areas, you should treat the kitten pasture with an environmentally friendly fungicide. For example, based on copper or sulphur.