09 October 2009

Honey Fungus in Gorseinon


Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea) is one of the most feared of garden pests and it’s been in our garden since for at least three years, with noticeable dieback of part of our privet hedge. The RHS states 'There are no chemicals available for control of honey fungus. If honey fungus is confirmed, the only effective remedy is to excavate and destroy, by burning or landfill, all of the infected root and stump material'. However Nigel Stringer did tell me of an old wives tale, that by spreading flour over the affected area it encourages another fungus (species unknown to Nigel) which will suppress and eventually kill off the Honey Fungus. I did treat the affected area last year and less has appeared so far this year, but time will tell!
Note that this is a good time of year to look for waxcaps on garden lawns which can be surprisingly good for this group...

No comments: