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Pests and diseases

Bamboos in the garden are usually pest and disease free. They are resistant to Honey Fungus and are only occasionally affected by aphids and these usually occur within the optimum conditions for growth on the nursery.

In the past two years the Oriental Bamboo Spider Mite has appeared in this country due to the now lax import controls within the EEC. It is widespread in North America and China and was probably imported second-hand from Europe. If caught early with a standard miticide it may be eradicated. If the pest is allowed to develop, Bamboos should be cut to the ground and all greenery burnt. This sounds drastic but Bamboos often regenerate with more vigour after pruning to the ground (best done before new culms emerge in the Spring). These mites (Schizotetranvchus celarius), inhabit the underside of the leaves and protect themselves with webbing. The pest sucks the juices from between the veins creating cream coloured rectangular patches on the leaf surface. It is easily mistaken for Leaf Miner damage. The effect of the pest is only visual and there should be no evidence of poor growth. Our Nursery if free of this pest and we continually monitor our plants to avoid the spread of this nuisance.

Rabbits and deer may nibble on soft emerging culms but there is usually an abundance of other greenery at this time to hold their attention. Watch out for Muntjac deer, the next serious threat to plants coming to a woodland near you soon! Grey squirrels like the occasional nibble but the reds pose no threat. Giant Pandas can be a problem, but fortunately not in this country.