are these cherry trees collectable?

rockm

Here's a link to some info on ONE type of borer in California.

http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/tfipm/peachborer.htm

There are a number of insects whose larvae bore into trees, however, so this might not be the particular pest you're dealing with. Doesn't really make that much difference, though. Bonsai treatment of borers of any type is pretty much the same--poke, poison and squish The spraying techniques that are sometimes prescribed for orchard trees doesn't really apply to bonsai. It's ineffective since it has to be timed to get the crawling stage of the larvae which can be almost anytime in the spring and summer. Since bonsai are small, finding individual bugs is relatively easy. There are rarely more than three or four on a medium sized bonsai.

Should be said that borers are attracted primarily to already stressed trees. Apparently stressed trees give off specific chemical scents that attract them. Borers were attracted to my cherry in the two years following its collection. Since it has become established in a container, I haven't had a big problem with them.

I now have problems with tent caterpillars, which are a plague around here for wild cherries in the spring. Fruit tree bonsai are pest magnets. Apples are the worst . If you have an apple bonsai, God help you.

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stevesick

Thanks so much Rock - the image in the article about peach tree borers (attached) looks suspiciously similar to mine! I am ready go critter hunting this weekend! Stay tuned for updates from the front line..

Attached Images

ptreeborer.jpg (50.5 KB, 37 views)

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Myrtle

Do you know anyone with a bad cough? Slip'em a little of the gooey and see if they quit coughing. They get rid of their cough, you confirm the goo is sap and everybody wins!


Myrtle, M.D.

stevesick

the thought had actually crossed my mind.. any takers?

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TCTNY

If you collect the trees and then essentially "open up" the damaged areas you may be able to expose the borers; by spraying the collected stump and then bagging in a trash back to create a tent effect you may kill the critters; the wire poke 'em also works. Don't discount the "damage" caused by the critters - this can create a hollowed out affect that you can add to with carving.

Once you collect the trees and spray/treat - you can then spray more regularly and build up the trees strength with regular waterering etc. Putting the stump into a good size container will allow you more control/inspection of the stump. You will know fairly quickly if the tree is worth keeping after you open up the damamged area and then treat it; it should show new growth by early summer.....otherwise dispose of properly......Tom

stevesick

Thanks Tom - much appreciated.

I'm going to try cutting them back and collecting them as soon as I have a chance - I'll be able to get a closer look at exactly what is ailing them once they're containerized.

Stay tuned for future updates.

Steve

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BarbaraM

Steve,

How did it go?

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"What I like about bonsai is that it has a beginning but no end. A bud today becomes a branch tomorrow. It is like searching for the rainbw's end; the farther it is pursued, the farther away it is." John Naka