AusBonsai

Hi everyone,

I recently (2 months ago) acquired this tree from a very reputable nursery, it was in great shape when I got it, however I think I may have a problem with needle cast? The previous two pines that I have had have died, JBP, but I think I had the same problem with them.

Any help with identification, possible treatment would be great.

Thanks.

Scott Roxburgh

After a bit of research, I feel pretty confident to say that the tree has Dothistroma.

The treatment, as far as I can see is to use a copper hydroxide based soulition such as kocide blue extra, I assume that it is available from the big B or a nursery.

I'll stop in at one today on the way home.

Scott.

gday scott


just sat and typed a reply to ur post some how lost it all anyways i pretty much said what u said above mate.be sure to cover root system i used glad wrap then rags so as not to kill the trees natural fungus mycorrhizae which pines need to grow.i had same prob on jbp about 4 months ago but looks to have fixed prob just a thought when do u water ur pines mate if late in the day try to not wet the needles as water sitting on them over night can create this disease.i used copper oxychloride that i got from bgs


cheers mick

When you say "cover" the root system, just to be clear you mean COVER in the sense of protect them from the drip spray, right?
One trick I once tried when one was still in training was to:
1.) Fill the space between soil line and top of nursery pot with those white packaging styro/popcorn things...
2.) Secure shopping bag around pot.
3.) Hang pot upside down (in this case on the old Hills Hoist)
4.) Spray needles.
Sounds like a hassle, but this way you are sure to keep the mixture out of the root system.... and if you need a reapplication, it's easy. And you can always water through the bottom (highest bit in this suspension) of the black nursery pot.

Scott, I think if you search this site you will find an article fron Leigh Taffe about this very problem. Would be worth looking for. Good luck.

I never water the foliage of my pines. It makes the needles grow too long and encourages the kind of problems you are experiencing.
Craig

Scott Roxburgh wrote:After a bit of research, I feel pretty confident to say that the tree has Dothistroma.

The treatment, as far as I can see is to use a copper hydroxide based soulition such as kocide blue extra, I assume that it is available from the big B or a nursery.

I'll stop in at one today on the way home.

Scott.

Hi scott ,

Did you end up using the" copper hydroxide based soulition such as kocide blue extra" and what success did you have?

Thanks
Bonsaifan