Re: [compost_tea] sprucing up pine trees

From: Bob Thorson <rthor_at_umich.edu>
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2003 13:17:06 -0400

At 10:33 AM -0400 4/6/03, soilfoodweb_at_aol.com wrote:
>With respect to what to spray - foliar or soil?
>
>Does the tree have fungi attacking the needles? Does it need a
>"quick-fix" of nutrients? Any foliar insect problems through the
>summer?


Good questions evidently, because they caused me to do some
inspection and research. My Colorado blue spruces show all the
symptoms of:

>Cytospora or Leucostoma canker, the most common and damaging disease
>of spruce, is caused by the fungus Leucocytospora kunzei, synonym
>Cytospora kunzei (teleomorph or sexual state Leucostoma kunzei,
>synonym Valsa kunzei). This canker occurs on several conifers from
>New England to the western United States. Colorado or Colorado blue
>(Picea pungens) and Norway spruce (Picea abies).....
>[http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/publications/rpds/rpd604/rpd604.html]


The older limbs die back and cankers exude white resin. They say
there is no cure. (We'll see about that!)

>Foliar sprays might be indicated then, but I'd like to hear your
>response before being any more specific.
>
>Applying a fungal soil drench would be helpful, given the position
>of the tree. Maximizing fungi is the ticket. Adding a few handfuls
>of forest duff TO THE COMPOST a few weeks before using that compost
>would be best.

Got some forest duff and I have ordered some Alaskan Humus.

>What fungal foods do you have to add to the tea to help the
>beneficial fungu grow?


I've got some Keep It Simple, Inc. microbe food and compost too.

This is kinda fun and reminds me of chemistry set days long ago. I
can see that I need a microscope.

Might I want to make one brew for the roots and another different mix
for the needles and bark?

Bob Thorson



Received on Tue Apr 08 2003 - 22:20:48 EDT

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