bnsaijim

I disagree that you can do much damage with a toothbrush. I use them all time, brass and steel also, depending on the task.

To rid yourself of the problem you need either sufficient contact time with the agent or mechanical removal of the spores. Since neither option is the best solution, what you've been given, a combined approach, is probably the best route.

While I can not offer an alternative agent, recognize that the lime sulfur will have a bleaching effect on the bark, just as it would a jin. Most effective treatemnts would have a similar result. Rinsing after treatment would minimize this but you would, of course, lose the residual benefits of the treatment.

Use a "soft" bristled brush. Don't be heavy handed and take particular care where the bark is loosely adhered or flaky. Holding bark platelets with a free finger while you gently scrub the nooks may make for stinky fingers but it will prevent you from popping off platelets that take years to develop. Wash your hands well afterward...

Take particular care in the future with your watering habits- water the soil only and provide the pine with good ventilation. Hopefully this will prevent a recurrence.

J. Stone
TX

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Jim Stone
Seki Bonsai Studio
sekibonsai.com
Santa Fe, TX