Trident problems Please help

trident · White Belt Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 11

Hi,

Please can anyone help me with my Bonsai.

I have a serious problem with my Trident Bonsai. About two weeks ago, black spots started to appear on a few of the leaves. Since then the disease has got such a hold over the tree that now virtually all the leaves are affected.

I have done some research on the Internet and I think the problem is black spot disease. I bought some Bio Systhane Fungus Fighter and I have given it two doses, at 8 days apart. However, it doesn’t seem to have worked.

I have now bought some Bio Dithane 945, but since I only sprayed with the fungus fighter on Saturday, I don’t think I can spray yet.

Am I right in thinking that the problem is black spot?, When will it be safe to use the Dithane? Should I take all the leaves of the tree?. I am reluctant to do this, but If it means my bonsai will be saved, then I certainly would. If I do take the leaves off, should I leave each stem on, or take that off too.

The only good point, is that there are plenty of tiny leaves still growing, but they soon have the same black spot on them.

If anyone can help, I would be very grateful.

Best wishes
Stephen

Dick · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: Trident problems Please help

Black spot fungus is unsightly, but rarely fatal to the tree. Using a fungicide will help but will not restore the leaves to their original luster.

Even though it's a week or so late, if you live in an area where the growung season extends to late September, it would still be possible to leaf prune the tree. Simply cut the entire leaf off and leave the stem. Carefully discard the cut leaves so that do not contaminate other trees and plants. Set the tree with stems in almost full sun and keep it well watered. In a couple of weeks, the stems should begin to fall off naturally as the new leaves begin to bud and sprout at the previous leaf axils. Then treat the tree very well. Don't fertilize until the leaves are appearing all over the tree. They will be smaller than the previous leaves were, but the tree should recover nicely.

If you are going to do this, it has to be done now and not wait until mid-July.

Stymie · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 8:45 pm Post subject: Re: Trident problems Please help

Amen to Dick's excellent advice. Whereabouts in the world are you trident? Your profile is sparse and we don't even know which hemisphere you are in.

trident · White Belt Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 11

Hi,

I'm based in Manchester UK. Sorry about the sparse profile - I will add to it.

The tree dose not seem to be so ill that it is dying, as there are plenty of new shoots growing. The trouble is, is that even the tiniest leaves are peppered in the black spots.

Before removing the leaves, should I try treating it with the Dithane 945? and if so, given that I've used the Bio Fungus Fighter, could you tell me when I should spray?

Thank you again

Stephen

Stymie · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:50 pm Post subject: Re: Trident problems Please help

I would remove them all as Dick suggested and don't delay too long as now is about a late as I would like to do it. Absence of green bits means that the fungicide would not have much to soak into the system through so further spraying doesn't seem appropriate yet. Be sure to dispose of the infected foliage completely. Burning is a good route to take. I shield my Acers from midday sun as it can scorch the leaf edges when they have any.

Dick · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 5:14 am Post subject: Re: Trident problems Please help

As Stymies said, if to totally leaf prune the tree, there is no reason to treat it with fungicide. The new foliage should be all right. But do this quickly since the tree will need time to recover completely before the fall/winter.

top_cat · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 6:46 am Post subject: Re: Trident problems Please help

www.kaizenbonsai.com are getting some special fungicide in soon specifically to treat blackspot. Its not in yet but it might be worth contacting them so you are first in the list when the stock arrives

trident · White Belt Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 11

Hi,

Just thought that I'd give you an update on my Trident problems. I pruned the leaves today, as advised. But I didn't know whether to prune the buds or leave them.

For the time being, I have left the smallest ones. But if it’s advised to cut these too, then I will.

Thank you for your assistance so far.

Stephen

Stymie · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:38 pm Post subject: Re: Trident problems Please help

Leave the buds alone Stephen or you will not get any regrowth.
Good luck with the outcome.

ThePlantDude · White Belt Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 25

Dude,
Not sure if this info will help .... but its free so here goes ...

As far as I'm aware most black spot fungicides don't actually kill the disease but actually work as a preventative to getting black spot. So once the plant is infected, spraying the infected leaves wont help .... you have to remove the infected leaves and then spray the non-infected ones and subsequent new growth to prevent it spreading.
Ive got a few roses and i spray them fortnightly with Seasol (i dunno if u get this ... its a fish based soil conditioner), a side-effect of the spray is that it puts a film on the leaves which helps prevent black spot. I only started doing this last year and haven't had a problem since.
Another preventative is to make sure the plant has good air circulation around it as fungus grows in a humid atmosphere.

Dunno if this helps .... but there ya go
Cheerio
Shocked