Fungal Attack:
Box (Buxus sempervirens) has been under attack from foreign pests and diseases. Box blight, which arrived a few years ago, has quickly spread throughout the UK, causing gardeners to panic at the sight of yellowing leaves on their prized topiary.
Pest Control:
Following this fungus, the Box Moth Caterpillar (Glyphodes perspectalis) made its appearance, fluttering its way across the UK since 2011.
Caterpillars are capable of stripping a Box plant of its leaves in a week, leaving it completely bare. Although a healthy plant may recover, it is likely to be targeted again and again as the moths continue their life cycle.
Why are we battling with this pest?
In Northern Europe, the box tree caterpillar or moth faces no natural predators as they are not native to the region but originate from southeast Asia. This lack of appeal to local birds and insects leaves them unchecked. However, the Asian hornet, also from Asia, can be found in warmer European areas like the southwest of France. These pests are drawn to Buxus plants, which are indigenous to Europe and occur naturally in Africa, parts of South and Central America, and various regions of Asia.
The genetic similarities between the European and Asian species could be the reason why these caterpillars, originally from Asia, thrive on European hedges.
What are the solutions?
To reduce caterpillar populations effectively, consider using Topbuxus moth traps pheromone traps. These traps lure male moths by mimicking the scent of female box tree moths. Once inside the trap, male moths are unable to reproduce.
For optimal results, fill the trap halfway with water and a small amount of dish soap to prevent the male moths from flying again.
When it comes to combatting box tree caterpillars, biological insecticides derived from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium prove to be the most efficient.
One notable product, Topbuxus Xentari, is highly acclaimed and can be conveniently bought directly from the manufacturer on Amazon.
When a caterpillar consumes a box leaf treated with biological insecticide, it will cease feeding and perish within a few days. This insecticide exclusively targets caterpillars that ingest the treated leaves, leaving other insects unharmed.
Birds are said to be unharmed by consuming dead caterpillars. To address infestations, use the biological insecticide when you observe caterpillars or an increase in male box tree moths captured in pheromone traps.
Given that the treatment lasts around 10 days before UV light breaks it down, multiple applications might be needed during active caterpillar periods.
Healthy Box Plants
Topbuxus Grow is a granular fertilizer designed to help Boxwood plants grow faster and thicker with dark green leaves. Developed to coincide with the plant's growth flushes, it was researched over 6 years in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research. Easy to use, it provides noticeable improvements to Boxwood plants.
Topbuxus Health Mix is based on a 'tonic' already used to enhance plant health, with additional essential elements added, resulting in remarkably effective outcomes. This mix rapidly enhances the health of Box plants, making them less susceptible to diseases
This is a foliar spray that has nitrogen to promote growth, while magnesium and sulphur aid in micronutrient absorption, maintaining green and healthy leaves. Copper strengthens the cell structure of leaves and stems. Not only will the plants look better, but they will also be sturdier and more resistant.
Will the box plant recover?
Yes! Box plants are resilient species, and once an infestation has been resolved, they will actually sprout after eight weeks. The caterpillar only eats the leaves and not the roots. Depending on the severity of the attack - it will take time and patience. Check out our box alternative post for ideas on what to replace the box with if the maintenance is too much.
Get in touch if you need a hand deciding on what the best solution is to get garden looking great this year. We offer Garden Consults by zoom if you are not in Bristol.
