"Brian Mitchell" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have this ongoing problem with hazel shrubs being attacked by some
kind of fungal or viral infection which affects the leaves and
eventually kills the plant. The only measure I've found at all helpful
so far is to spray them with Dithane before the infection hits, but this
is horrendously expensive. A sachet costing £1 makes approx 2 litres,
which just about does one bush and I've got over 30 of them I'm trying
to keep alive. The spraying needs to be repeated and this disease seems
to spread to other trees as well.

Does anyone know of any other systemic or preventative fungicides I
could try and which I could get in bulk at non-GC prices? Or have ideas
about a homemade fungicide? I don't want to lose all these hazels.

Desperate in SW Wales.


Hi Brian,

You really need to find out if this is a fungal or viral infection. There's
little point trying to spray plants affected with a virus. The usual advice
for virused plants is to uproot and destroy by binning or burning; never to
add to a compost bin. Neither can you take cuttings from a virused plant.
Not what you want to hear about your 30 hazels, I know, but it may have to
be faced.

I am very far from being a hazel expert, but I do know they're fairly
vigorous plants. I would have thought that such a strong plant would have
shrugged off most fungal problems, unless it's something really nasty - or
new. This would seem to suggest a viral infection. Another possibility, of
course, could be root troubles - another case where leaves suffer first,
followed by failure of the entire plant. (Plants often forfeit their leaves
in an attempt to save the rest of the plant when roots are too dry, too wet,
(add your own nightmare/suspicions)). It might even be one of the
Phytophthera pathogens, which (as far as I remember) are soil-borne, but
show symptoms at leaf level.

It may be worth while going back to your supplier (with a sample, if poss)
and asking if they recognise the problem. They may even have sold you
diseased stock - unknowingly, one hopes. With luck, they may be able to
diagnose a fungal problem and offer advice. Or, indeed, they may even offer
replacement stock. I do think this is the best way to proceed. If you
just keep paying for fungicides, you may be throwing good money after bad if
the problem is viral. If you do contact them, it is worth mentioning
whether the stricken leaves fall, or stay on the plant; it is often a useful
diagnostic.

If I wasn't typing, I'd cross my fingers for you! {:~)
Spider