Horse chestnut disease and treatment. Diseases and pests of chestnut - what are and how to help the tree

Deciduous trees are susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal diseases. Fungal diseases are most often the cause of dark spots.

Chestnut spotting: yellow or ocher spots on the leaves

In summer, large yellow or ocher spots appear on both sides of chestnut leaves, surrounded by a thin rim and often merging with each other.

Over time, in the necrotic part of the leaf blade, dotted fruiting bodies - pycnidia are formed, the leaves fall prematurely.

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Phyllosticta castaneae Ell. et Ev. Quite common is another fungus - Cylindrosporium castanicola (Desm.) Bert., Causing brown chestnut spotting in the form of reddish-brown small and angular spots, sometimes surrounded by a yellowish rim. In both cases, the infection persists in the fallen affected leaves.

Measures to combat chestnut spot

collection and destruction of fallen leaves,
spraying trees during bud break and leaf growth with 1% Bordeaux mixture or its substitutes
("Abiga-Peak", "Strobe", "Foreshortening, "Pure Flower").

Mining chestnut moth: clear rounded brown spots on the leaves

Injuries from the chestnut leafminer (Cameraria ohridella) are more common in urban environments than fungal infections. It is worth spending a colony of mining moths on a tree for one summer, most of the crown will no longer be saved.

In the photo: a leaf damaged by a mining chestnut moth; caterpillar of the mining chestnut moth; adult chestnut leaf miner

An adult moth looks like a butterfly, reaching about a centimeter in full wingspan. One individual is able to lay about 50 eggs in one clutch. Leaves are damaged by larvae and caterpillars.

Measures to combat chestnut moth

Treatment with a systemic insecticide, for example "Aktara".
Collection and destruction of fallen leaves.
In the spring - shelter of young seedlings with non-woven material, repelling butterflies with water jets.
For monitoring, it is recommended to use pheromone traps (1 trap per 10 trees). They are hung before the beginning of flowering of chestnuts in places with an increased likelihood of the appearance of pests at a height of 1.5-2 m from the ground.
Inspect traps at least once a week, replacing dusty or insect-covered adhesive inserts. After 4-6 weeks after installation, the trap should be replaced with a new one. In case of mass infection, it is recommended to hang 2 traps on a tree from different sides of the crown and at different heights.
As a preventive measure, it is necessary to maintain a favorable microclimate in the garden and natural balance. About 20 species of birds have been counted that eat the chestnut moth, including tits and blue tit. From insects with larvae, ants, ladybugs, wasps, and spiders are quickly dealt with.

VIDEO-instruction for the treatment of chestnuts from chestnut moth from Evgeny Sapunov, owner of the private botanical garden Dragon Garden and landscape designer

It is not the first year that the famous Odintsovo chestnuts take a pitiful appearance by the middle of summer. The leaves become covered with rusty spots, dry up and fall off, leaving only a skeleton of the trunk and branches.

A sad picture can be observed right in the center of Odintsovo. A whole alley of these trees has been planted here, and several old trees grow near the Administration building. Why do chestnut trees in Odintsovo look so unpresentable? Seven years ago, Odintsovo-INFO readers were told about this by specialists from the Moscow State Forest University, who conduct their scientific research in the field of gardening in the city.

But, alas, for seven years it was not possible to curb the attack. The reason that chestnuts are still eaten away and losing their leaves already in the middle of summer, as it turned out, is the complete absence of any measures to protect these trees, in the spirit of “come what may, they will die - we will plant something else”.

In order to maintain a healthy appearance and condition of plants, it is necessary, and the specialists of the Moscow State Forest University told the Odintsovo-INFO portal about this 7 years ago, to thoroughly clean the territory from fallen leaves, loosen the under-stem circles of trees, during the flight of chestnut moth butterflies to water the space under the chestnut trees with jets of water , thereby striking the imago. But for this you need to be a good entomologist, be able to determine the periods of mass flight of insects.

Treatment with insecticide poisons is prohibited in the city, as they are harmful to people and pets. In addition, insects adapt to chemistry very quickly, after a few generations pests will appear that are immune to the drug used to fight, and a new formula will need to be invented.

There are a number of species of chestnuts that are resistant to this pest, and this property has already interested landscape gardeners; mass replacement of dying trees with indestructible species has begun.

And what is being done in Odintsovo to protect chestnuts? We found out nothing.

“Many chestnut moth pupae go to winter in the fallen leaves of chestnut trees. And when the autumn period comes and work begins on cleaning the leaves and utilizing them in plastic bags, complaints from residents immediately come in: they say, we are exposing the ground, which will then freeze the trees. Turns out it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, pests hibernate in the foliage, which spoil the trees, and on the other hand, complaints. commented on the situation. Natalia UHOVA, Deputy Director of MBU "Odintsovo municipal economy".

It turns out that city experts, who, on duty, should know better than anyone how to properly care for chestnuts, do not properly fulfill their duties, referring to the unsubstantiated complaints of residents of the city of Odintsovo. But after all, in response to complaints, you can give a more than convincing answer, explaining to people their delusions, and not give up in obedient inaction when any claims of ignorant inhabitants appear.

In addition, the MBU "Odintsovo municipal economy" noted that chestnuts in Moscow are exactly the same withered as in Odintsovo. The conclusion was made simple and clear - to reduce the planting of chestnuts to a minimum. And whether the ecology is to blame or improper care remains a mystery.

As a result, Odintsovo may lose forever one of its attractions, our luxurious chestnuts.

If a black spot forms on a tree, then the leaves begin to turn black and fall off, a general weakening of the chestnut, slow growth and a decrease in the number of flowers are also observed.

Red-brown spotting At too high temperatures, dark red spots may form on the leaves, which gradually grow, begin to brown and cover most of the leaf. The disease can appear due to an excess of moisture or a sharp temperature drop (hot during the day, cold at night). brown spot Brown spotting differs from red-brown only in the shade of spots and in the fact that they appear on both sides of the leaf.

In order to get rid of spotting once and for all, it is first necessary to remove and burn all the affected foliage, dig up the trunk circle and carry out sanitary pruning.

powdery mildew

hot weather, sudden changes in temperature and humidity have a positive effect on the reproduction of fungal spores;
can also be the cause excess nitrogen fertilizer or lack of potash and phosphorus supplements.

Powdery mildew covers the surface of the leaf and looks like a gray-white coating, which is the mycelium. Also characterized by the presence of dark brown balls (fungal spores). Over time, the plaque only becomes thicker and, as a result, the leaf turns brown and falls off.

Powdery mildew is spread by air, and infection is also possible through water or through direct contact between two trees. Therefore, it is very important to protect healthy plants from infection.

The fight against powdery mildew should begin by removing the affected leaves and burning them. It is also necessary to timely feed the chestnut with phosphorus and potash fertilizers. Then the tree is processed by the following means:

Fungicides Bayleton, Topaz, Zato, Topsin, Fundazol, Skor, etc.;
Biofungicides Fitosporin-m, Gamair, Planriz, etc.;
Also effective is a remedy prepared from 500 grams of ash, filled with a liter of water. The mixture is insisted for 2 days, then 5 grams of laundry soap diluted in water are added and processed, the procedure is repeated after a week;
Experienced gardeners recommend spraying the chestnut with an infusion of weeds and water, which is prepared in a ratio of 1 to 2.

All treatments should be carried out only in the evening to avoid sunburn.

Necrosis

Necrosis appears if the tree receives a burn that can be caused by both the scorching rays of the sun and severe frosts. Mechanical damage can also be the cause.

stem necrosis	It can appear both on the branches and on the trunk of a tree, while the bark begins to crack and over time, cancerous wounds and small seals (2-3 millimeters in diameter) appear, the color of which can range from pale pink to dark brown.	It is worth remembering that necrosis is not terrible for an adult plant, and after several procedures the disease disappears. But a young chestnut can die from such a disease. For the fastest recovery, it is necessary to clean the damaged area with a sharp garden knife, treat it with a disinfectant and cover the wound with garden pitch. You can also spray the chestnut with Brodsky liquid or fungicides.
Phomopsis necrosis	Such necrosis is dangerous because it is very difficult to recognize in the initial stages. The course of the disease begins with the fact that harmful fungi settle under the bark, then the bark cracks and many small black tubercles can be seen under it.
Septomyx necrosis	The color of the bark becomes gray-white, and black tubercles can be seen in its splits, which indicate the presence of a harmful fungus.

To avoid the appearance of necrosis on the chestnut you need to follow one simple rule, namely whitewash the tree in early spring and late autumn. Such a tool will protect the bark from both frost and heat.

Rot

Another problem of chestnut trees is rot, which affects various parts of the plant.

root rot	The disease is dangerous because if measures are not taken in time to treat the tree, then it can dry out and die. The reason for the decay of the root system can be soil pollution, a large amount of precipitation and the proximity of groundwater. In addition to the roots, such rot can rise to the trunk of a tree (to a height of no more than 2 meters).	If rot has formed on the trunk or roots of a tree, then it is no longer possible to get rid of it. Damaged chestnuts are cut down, stumps are uprooted and all wood is completely burned. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to lime the soil and treat it with fungicides (Byleton, blue vitriol, etc.).
white stem rot	A white coating with black stripes appears on the tree trunk, the height of the spread of the disease is 3 meters from the beginning of the root system. Most often, aging trees suffer from white rot.
yellow stem rot	The lower part of the trunk acquires a yellow, sometimes swampy hue, the presence of plaque is characteristic.
Usually found on stumps. The bark becomes dense, colored brown, and cracks are observed.

Rot greatly weakens the tree, it becomes lethargic and stunted and can no longer fully cope with severe climatic conditions, such as wind, frost, heat, etc.

Pests, what to do and how to fight?

Chestnut is often attacked by various pests, scientists have more than 30 species of such insects, some of which are extremely rare.

Pests are usually divided into the following groups:

root- the May beetle is considered the most prominent representative, whose larvae reproduce in the root system, and adult insects feed on foliage;
sucking- pests of this group feed on the juice of leaves, flowers and young shoots. Such insects include thrips, scale insects, aphids and mealy worms;
leaf miners- one of the most common and dangerous pests that multiply very quickly and move on to healthy trees. Chestnut moth larvae feed on the foliage of the plant;
Leaf-eating pests- elm leaf beetle and elm beetle feed on the flesh of the leaf, leaving holes in it;
stem- such pests are extremely rare, their larvae feed on the core of a tree trunk, and adults gnaw through the bark. Such insects include bark beetles, barbels, etc.

mining moth

Mining moth is the most dangerous pest of chestnut. The main problem is that these insects have not been fully studied, and experts have not developed a drug formula that gives 100 percent results. An adult chestnut aphid is a butterfly, 4 mm in size with folded wings. The threat is carried by insect larvae, they settle in the foliage, gradually eating it. Such actions lead to early leaf fall.

Treatment should begin with the removal and disposal of damaged leaves and branches of the tree, it is also worth remembering that larvae can withstand temperatures down to -25 degrees, therefore, it is necessary to process the chestnut for at least 2 seasons.

To get rid of insects use the following drugs:

Special injections eg Carbosudfan or Imidachloroprid. Injections should be made with a special gun along the entire diameter of the tree trunk so that the drug is distributed evenly. Such drugs are quite expensive, but they are highly effective;

Such injections are a danger to human health, it is not recommended to give injections in populated areas and in no case should the fruits of a "poisoned" tree be used as food.

You can also spray chestnut hormonal drug Insegar.

Prevention of diseases than to process a tree

If chestnut leaves begin to turn yellow and dry, this is the first sign of tree disease. To prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests, you need to do the following:

Regularly inspect the chestnut in order to detect all changes in time;
Carefully look after young trees, and fertilize regularly And;
Carry out sanitary pruning and burn all damaged leaves and branches;
formed wounds need to be treated and lubricate with garden pitch;
In the presence of chronic diseases, during the vegetative period chestnuts are treated with fungicides(preparations are selected in accordance with the diseases);
Also mulch should be treated with drugs, which is left under a tree so that insect larvae cannot overwinter there.

The unpretentious chestnut tree, the planting and care of which is reduced to almost nothing, has found wide application in landscaping parks, squares and city streets. With its beautiful crown, decorative foliage and attractive flowers, this amazing tree has become one of the most popular park plants.

Origin and where the chestnut grows

Scientists believe that the chestnut existed in the Tertiary period at the time of the appearance of the first ape-men. In ancient times, the distribution area of \u200b\u200bthis tree was much larger than at present. It is known that the tree grew in Greenland, North America, Sakhalin and on the subtropical shores of the Mediterranean. The Caucasus and Asia Minor are considered directly the birthplace of the nut.

For the first time, this decorative tree was brought from Istanbul to Europe by the famous botanist Lukluz back in the 15th century. He began to grow it in Vienna from imported nuts. This beautiful plant eventually began to be used in landscaping, and livestock began to feed the fruits. Scientists discovered the healing properties of chestnut only in the 20th century.

Currently, the wild chestnut can be found in Southern Europe, India, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia and the Balkan Peninsula. On an industrial scale, chestnut is cultivated in the southern countries of Europe, Japan and China.

Tree Description

Chestnut is a huge deciduous tree belonging to the beech family. The height of the chestnut can sometimes reach 25 meters.

A slender straight brown-gray trunk can be up to a meter in diameter. The root system of the chestnut is quite powerful with the main tap root. The lateral roots are very branched, thanks to which the plant is quite stable in gusty winds.

The leaves of the chestnut tree are large and complex, five or seven palmate with a long spine. In summer, the leaves are green, with the onset of autumn they turn yellow, purple, brown and crimson. The green mass of chestnut contains tannins, pectin and vitamin K. It is often used to prepare tinctures and decoctions, which are used for various ailments.

Thanks to the large openwork leaves, the crown of the tree is very dense and wide, has a rounded shape.

The tree looks very beautiful during its flowering. Probably, there is not a single city dweller who would not see how the chestnut blossoms. Its huge and fragrant inflorescences are like magic candles, evenly scattered throughout the crown. Pyramidal, spike-shaped inflorescences in length from 10 to 35 cm, arranged vertically on the tree. In the lower part of the inflorescences are female flowers, and in the upper part - male.

Quite interesting in their structure and chestnut flowers. Each small flower has a 5-8-membered perianth. Depending on the type of chestnut, the flowers may be white, pink or red. In total, there are about 15 species of this plant in the world. The flowering period also depends on the type of tree. The most common species in our strip, horse chestnut and noble, bloom in early May. The chestnut tree is considered an excellent honey plant.

Chestnut fruits are round green boxes (nuts) with several opening flaps covered with sharp spikes. Each such nut contains from one to four seeds. The plant begins to bear fruit at the age of 15-25 years.

The nuts of the noble (real) chestnut can be eaten. Horse chestnut is mainly used in landscaping. It is quite winter-hardy, but does not tolerate prolonged drought. During this period, the leaves may dry out and fall off.

Chestnut propagation

In order to grow a high-quality seedling, which can then become a full-fledged and beautiful tree, you should know how to properly propagate a chestnut tree, taking into account all its natural features.

Traditionally, the chestnut tree is propagated in two ways.

1) Vegetative propagation method:

cuttings;
layering;
Root growth.

2) Seed method of reproduction.

The seed method is used more often than others when propagating this plant at home. Reproduction of chestnut from seeds is quite simple, it does not require additional special knowledge. For this, fallen and fully ripened nuts are used, which must necessarily undergo a stratification procedure.

In autumn, you can plant fresh chestnuts directly into the ground; at the landing site, you should mulch the soil with fallen leaves. Then chestnuts will undergo stratification in natural conditions. In the spring, planted nuts, in most cases, will hatch and grow. The main disadvantage of this method of reproduction is rodents, which can eat seed during the winter period with a lack of food.

If the chestnut is planted in the spring, then the seeds need to undergo pre-sowing stratification. They should be placed in a cold place in damp earth for a period of two to five months. Before planting, the seeds must be soaked for several days in warm water, changing it daily. Thanks to this procedure, the skin of the chestnut softens and it is easier for the sprout to break through. After the events, chestnuts can be planted in the garden. Planting should be no deeper than 8-10 cm at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other.

In February, chestnuts can be planted in prepared containers, and in the spring, small seedlings can be transplanted into open ground. When transplanting, it is imperative to cut the main root by a third, then the root system will become more powerful in the future and the tree will grow faster.

Young seedlings need constant care. They need to be periodically weeded, loosened the soil, watered. In the second year, an audit should be carried out and, if necessary, thin out the plantings.

Planting a chestnut in a permanent place

In the southern regions, seedlings are planted in a permanent place in the third year, in the middle lane, when the seedling reaches the age of five. Due to the low frost resistance, it is possible to transfer them to a greenhouse or to an unheated room during the cold season.

A chestnut tree grows quite large, so when planting in the ground, it must be borne in mind that the distance to buildings, fences and other plants should be at least five or seven meters. If the size of the garden plot allows, then it is better to plant it separately from other plants, then the chestnut tree will eventually become an ornament to your garden. Moreover, grass almost does not grow in the shade of the crown of this plant, which contributes to the equipment of the recreation area. Quite often you can see how benches, children's sandboxes and swings are arranged under the chestnut tree. In the dense shade of its crown in the heat it will always be fresh and cool.

The chestnut tree prefers slightly acidic or neutral soil. It should be a well-drained, loose and moderately moist soil, nutrient-rich soil. It grows well on loams and chernozems. When planting chestnuts in clay soil, sand must be added to the planting hole.

You can transplant this tree to a permanent place up to the age of ten. At this time, it grows rather slowly and is not large. With such a late transplant of a tree, a deep dig should be done so that most of the root system is preserved, then the tree will take root better and faster in a new place.

It is necessary to plant chestnuts in open ground in autumn or early spring. The landing pit should be prepared spacious and wide, about 60 cm deep and wide. You need to fill the pit with nutrient soil, seasoned with humus and superphosphate. If the soil is rather acidic, then it is better to add dolomite flour.

The plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture, which can provoke various diseases of the root system, and then the whole tree. Therefore, in preparation for planting, it is necessary to consider a drainage system that will remove excess moisture. It is also possible to pour a layer of sand about 15-20 cm on the bottom of the landing pit.

Having filled the planting hole with nutrient soil, it is necessary to plant the plant on a slight elevation, which subsequently compensates for the subsidence of the earth. The root neck of the chestnut tree should not be buried, it should be located at ground level.

The planted seedling must be watered with several buckets of water and tied to a support, which will help the not yet rooted tree to withstand strong winds. For more successful rooting, watering the tree should be moderate, but daily.

Chestnut tree care

Caring for a tree planted in a permanent place consists in periodic weeding in combination with regular loosening of the soil, constant watering and top dressing.

Mature chestnut trees are stronger and more drought tolerant than young chestnut trees, so they need to be watered only during long absences of rain. Young specimens require constant watering.

As the crown of the tree grows, there is no need to weed the earth around the trunk, because dense foliage does not allow other plants to develop normally. Periodically it is necessary to loosen the soil in the trunk circle and it is desirable to mulch it with wood chips or peat compost. The mulch layer should not exceed 10 cm.

For the correct and beautiful formation of the chestnut crown, pruning is required, in which the diseased and dried branches that have emerged from the root of the top are eliminated.

This plant responds well to feeding. Immediately after winter, you need to use a mixture of manure and urea solution. In the fall, you should feed with nitroammophos.

Chestnut is a fairly frost-resistant tree, so only young specimens need shelter for the winter. To do this, the trunk should be wrapped several times with burlap, and the trunk circle should be mulched. If, nevertheless, these measures did not help and frost cracks appeared, then they should be treated with any antiseptic and covered with garden pitch.

Diseases and pests

Due to the fact that the chestnut tree is practically not exposed to various diseases and pests, it is very often used in urban landscaping. Rarely enough, this culture is exposed to leaf spot, which indicates an anthracnose disease, a fungus, or the appearance of powdery mildew. Occasionally, this tree is attacked by such pests as various drillers, beetles and bagworms.

To effectively combat chestnut diseases, it should be treated with Bordeaux liquid or the universal fungicide Fungazol at the first sign of infection.

Cases of attacks on chestnut plantings by little-studied insects, which began to be called the Balkan or chestnut moth, have become more frequent. It is not known for certain where this moth came from, for the first time it was noticed back in 1985 on the Balkan Peninsula.

Scientists have not yet figured out the natural enemies of this type of moth, and there are practically no artificial effective methods of control. The damage that the chestnut moth does to the plantings of these plants is quite significant. The foliage of the infected chestnut begins to dry and fall off in the middle of summer, and closer to autumn, new young foliage blooms again and the chestnut blooms again. After that, the plant does not have time to prepare for the winter period and freezes, and sometimes the whole tree freezes completely.

In order to destroy the moth, a special chemical preparation was developed, which is injected into the trunk of a tree. The pupae of such moths usually hibernate in fallen leaves, so timely cleaning of the leaves is the prevention of damage to the plantings.

The most formidable pest is the tick. To prevent its appearance on chestnut trees, it is necessary to treat it twice a month with Karbofos or Fitover fungicides.

Also, diseases and pests of this plant can be fought with the help of folk remedies. To treat the affected tree, decoctions of dissected cow parsnip and black henbane are used.

Watch the video transplanting annual chestnuts

People have known about the healing effect of chestnuts since ancient times. This is a small genus of spreading trees growing in the southern regions. The fruits of the plant are endowed with a colossal list of useful compounds and elements that few people know about. People are accustomed to eating them, preparing sweet desserts from nutritious nuts, without even realizing their healing power. Scientists thoroughly know that all parts of the amazing tree are endowed with a huge bouquet of useful ingredients.

In alternative medicine, fruits, flowers, seeds, bark and leaves are widely used. Official science has proven the therapeutic significance of all components. In this material, the place is reserved for green leaves bordering the crown of the tree. You will gain useful information about the properties, application, and also learn how to prepare healing decoctions.

What do chestnut leaves look like and when to harvest them?

Biologists are aware of more than 30 varieties of populations. The most popular is the sowing, suitable for consumption. Each subspecies differs in fruiting, trunk height. Healers for medicinal needs are more often used. You can distinguish it by oblong, slightly pointed leaves, having a length of 25 cm.

During the blooming period, they become rich red. Chestnut leaves turn a bright yellow in autumn. From August to September, experienced healers begin to harvest. Raw materials are laid out in an even layer on a fabric surface, for the first few days they are periodically turned over for uniform drying. Then they are transferred to containers and stored for 12 months.

Components

Chestnut leaves are endowed with amazing substances that improve human health. Experts have identified triterpene compositions that play a key role in metabolic processes, tannin compounds necessary for the body to fight free radicals. Found pectin substances that contribute to the elimination of toxins, heavy metals. It is impossible not to mention flavonoids: they have a positive effect on the enzyme system. They abound in vegetable glucose, organic acids, lecithin, a wide range of vitamins and trace elements.

Chestnut leaves in folk medicine: health pantry for humans

The plant has received wide appreciation for its palatability and healing power. Medicinal abilities of the parts of the tree are used by folk healers all over the world. The fruits and leaves of chestnut have the following properties:

antitussive;
astringent;
diuretic;
anti-inflammatory;
wound healing;
antipyretic.

Such an extensive list of beneficial effects is due to the presence of a vitamin-mineral complex. Official pharmaceuticals recognized that the plant is able to heal a number of diseases. In pharmacy chains, you can find a lot of preparations based on chestnut leaves. Extracts and decoctions effectively stop puffiness, stabilize blood pressure.

Such drugs exhibit analgesic effects. Infusions normalize the state of the intestinal tract. They also thin the blood, make the walls of blood vessels more elastic, increase their permeability. Prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques. used to combat respiratory pathologies: it stops the cough reflex, improves the viscosity of sputum. Means help stop uterine bleeding.

From varicose veins

Folk healers use chestnut leaves in the treatment of varicose veins. Tea is prepared from one part of crushed dry raw materials and 15 parts of boiling water. The solution is infused in a thermos for at least 4-5 hours. It is used inside 400 ml per day in 2-3 doses. The tool strengthens the capillaries, prevents the occurrence of cones and plaques.

Decoction for uterine bleeding

It will take 15 grams of dry leaves, which must be carefully crushed. Stir the raw materials in a glass of hot water (not chlorinated), boil for 10-15 minutes. Cool to room temperature, filter through a strainer. Drink 10 ml 5-6 times a day.

From warts (wen)

The following infusion has an effective therapeutic effect: take 10 liters of chestnut leaves, pour boiling water to the top and insist for a day. We filter the solution, pour it into the bath and take 15 minutes. Procedures to be done every two days. Course - 14 days.

For cough and whooping cough

For 10 grams of dry raw materials (pre-grind), take a glass of hot water. Bring to a boil, insist for an hour. Filter and drink in a day. Or use a large spoon three times a day for two weeks.

Before taking chestnut leaves, you should consult with a specialist. The plant is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance.

Family: beech (Fagaceae).

Motherland

Various types of chestnut are most widely distributed in the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, East Asia and the Atlantic coast of the North American continent.

The form: tree, shrub.

Description

Most representatives of the chestnut genus are tall deciduous trees. Shrubs and dwarf forms are less common.

The chestnut tree can reach 50 meters in height. Its trunk is covered with thick furrowed brown-brown bark. The root system is powerful, superficial. Short-leaved, dark green, serrated chestnut leaves may be lanceolate or oblong-oval in shape. Chestnut flowers are collected in small balls (dichasia), forming inflorescences-earrings up to 15 cm long. Chestnut fruits are ovoid or spherical nuts in a brown wooden-leather shell. One plush can contain from one to three fruits.

The genus of chestnuts is not numerous, it has only 10 species, and some of them are described as hybrid. Here are the most common ones:

or Japanese chestnut (C. crenata) - compact, up to 10 meters in height, a tree, less often a shrub. Relatively frost-resistant - can tolerate a short-term drop in temperature to -25 ° C. It grows rapidly and begins to bear fruit earlier than most species. It is exacting to humidity of air and the soil. It has many decorative forms, including:

weeping - with drooping shoots;
edible - with large, tasty fruits.

The softest chestnut or Chinese chestnut (C. mollissima) is a plant adapted to the highland climate. It reaches a height of 20 meters, has a beautiful spreading crown. Fruiting begins at the age of 6-8 years. The tree is valued for its decorative effect, and its fruits - for their high taste.

Chinkapin (C. pumila) - relatively low, up to 15 meters, tree or shrub. The species is resistant to cold and dryness of the soil, undemanding to the composition of the soil. Relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

sowing chestnut, or European chestnut (C. sativa) is a tall tree growing up to 35 meters in height. It is exacting to a microclimate, in favorable conditions it is very durable. It is considered one of the most beautiful deciduous trees due to its majestic crown shape and large, spectacular light green leaves, which acquire a pure yellow color in autumn. Decorative forms of this species are numerous and varied, here are some of them:

pyramidal - with branches directed upwards and forming a pyramidal crown;
split-leaved - leaves with unevenly lobed or serrated edges;
round-leaved - the leaves are rounded;
golden-spotted - leaves with yellow spots;
silver-motley - leaves with white spots;
golden-bordered - with a yellow border along the edge of the sheet;
silver-bordered - with a white border along the edge of the sheet;
purple - with purple leaves;
naked - with large, dense, bare, glossy leaves.

Segyu chestnut (C. seguinii) - one of the shortest representatives of the genus, reaching no more than 10 meters in height. It has the shape of a tree or shrub. The natural habitat is 1000-1600 meters above sea level.

Growing conditions

Chestnuts are thermophilic and moisture-loving. The ideal conditions for growing chestnuts are regions with a moderately warm, but not hot climate and fairly high, up to 70%, air humidity. A large amount of precipitation does not harm plants. Most representatives of the genus do not tolerate a long decrease in air temperature to -15 ° C. Sunny exposure is not for chestnuts, they prefer moderately shaded areas.

Chestnuts are demanding on the composition of soils: they avoid both calcareous and acidic soils, do not like clay and swampy areas. Chestnut feels good on sandstone, gneiss and shale soils.

Application

Chestnut is decorative and expressive in itself, so it often becomes a key object in shaping the appearance of the garden. They look great in single landings on, in the patio, near a bench or a well. They look spectacular, planted with tall chestnut trees that give a thick shade. Chestnut is widely used in group plantings, and shrub forms can serve as material for tall ones.

An interesting landscape solution can be compositions and mini-arboretums using chestnut. The plant perfectly coexists with almost any plants, but compositions with the use of trees and shrubs are especially advantageous, whose foliage contrasts with chestnut leaves in color or texture.

Chestnut is a plant that is in demand not only in landscape design. Its wood is a valuable material for the manufacture of furniture and interior items, and the fruits are used in cooking.

Care

Chestnut is moisture-loving, so it should be provided with regular, fairly plentiful watering. The plant responds well to loosening the soil around the trunk, it can be carried out as needed 2-3 times per season. In autumn, the ground under the chestnut tree is mulched with peat, sawdust of fallen leaves. High-quality chestnut care involves top dressing, which is carried out in early spring. A mixture of ammonium nitrate, mullein, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and urea is used as a fertilizer.

Chestnut tolerates shearing well, so that the formation of a spreading lush crown in growing trees is not difficult. To do this, at the beginning of spring, shortening chestnut pruning is performed, cutting off the branches of young plants by ¼ of the length and shortening the top.

reproduction

The most affordable and effective way to propagate chestnut is seed.

Chestnut nuts can be sown in open ground in autumn, immediately after ripening. They should be embedded in the soil to a depth of 3-5 cm at a distance of 10-15 cm from each other. In winter, the seeds will undergo a process of natural stratification. For spring sowing of chestnuts, seeds must be stored all winter at a temperature of + 5-6 ° C, and immediately before sowing, soak for five days in warm water. Ascended seedlings should be regularly watered, fed, freed from weeds.

For growing chestnuts, 1-2-year-old plants are taken from a seedling. At the same age, chestnut seedlings are transplanted to permanent places. The soil for planting is prepared as follows: the earth taken out of the hole is mixed with sand and humus (2: 1: 1), dolomite flour and slaked lime are added there. The wells are drained with pebbles or gravel mixed with sand, the prepared substrate and nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer are poured onto the bottom, and filled with water. Then a seedling is placed in the hole, the substrate is added and rammed. The neck of the seedling should remain 8-10 cm above the soil level. The seedling is plentifully watered with warm water.

Diseases and pests

Chestnut is quite resistant to diseases and pests. The main natural enemy of some species is a fungal infection. To deal with the problem, standard means are used. If the fungus has affected the root system, the plant will have to be disposed of.

Horse chestnut is a perennial plant that is a tree reaching up to 30 m in height. It is distinguished not only by its beauty, especially during the flowering period, but also by its beneficial properties. Therefore, chestnut is often used in alternative medicine for the preparation of various medicines. What horse chestnut looks like can be seen in the photo.

Description of the plant - photo

Horse chestnut trees can often be found in home gardens or park areas. It is a fairly tall tree with opposite leaves. The leaf shape of the chestnut is pointed with small denticles along the edges. What a horse chestnut leaf looks like can be seen in the photo.

How do these trees bloom? This process begins at the end of spring. The flowers are white or pale pink in color, they are formed in large erect clusters, reaching 30 cm in length. In early autumn, the first fruits begin to appear on the tree. They are small rounded boxes covered with large spikes. Inside these boxes are irregularly shaped seeds that are brown in color and have a glossy surface. What the fruit of horse chestnut looks like can be seen in the photo.

Where does this tree grow? Most often it can be found in Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Greece is considered the birthplace of this plant.

Medicinal properties of chestnut

The fruits, flowers and grass of horse chestnut are actively used in both modern and alternative medicine. This plant is used to eliminate such ailments:

Inflammatory processes in the body and swelling. Plant-based tinctures have anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects.
Thrombosis. Chestnut tree significantly reduces blood clotting, prevents the formation of blood clots. Also, drugs based on it are used for uterine bleeding in women.
Increased acidity of gastric juice. The plant normalizes this indicator, due to which it is indispensable for exacerbation of gastritis.
Violation of the functioning of the gallbladder. Chestnut normalizes the secretory function of this organ.
Cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma. The plant helps to eliminate sputum, improves the general condition of the body.
Arthrosis, arthritis, gout. Ointments based on this chestnut relieve pain, inflammation, which are observed in the articular tissues in these diseases.
Increased blood pressure. Chestnut is one of the most effective herbal ingredients in treating hypertension. It also improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system in general.

Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, chestnut fruits are used to prepare ointments and creams for trophic ulcers.

Application of chestnut

This plant is used in the production of various drugs in modern medicine. You can also prepare remedies at home. The most common recipes are:

Tincture. To prepare this form of medicine, you will need 50 g of crushed fruits or flowers of this plant and 0.5 liters of vodka or diluted alcohol. Place the ingredients in a container, cover tightly and leave to infuse for 3 weeks. After the time has elapsed, strain the resulting tincture and take 30 drops 3 times a day.
Infusion of the bark. To prepare such a remedy, you should take 1 tsp. chopped chestnut bark, pour 2 cups of boiling water. Insist for several hours. Then strain the infusion and consume 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day. This infusion can also be used to treat skin diseases. For greater efficiency, before insisting, it should be boiled for about 15 minutes.
Tincture for external use. You should take 300 g of the fruits of the plant, crushed with a meat grinder or blender, along with the peel, pour 1 liter of vodka or alcohol. Infuse in a tightly closed container for 1 week. The use of such a tincture has a beneficial effect on radiculitis, arthritis, arthrosis, and inflammatory processes in muscle tissues.
Ointment. It will take 5 tbsp. l. flowers of the plant to be crushed. Add 0.5 l of refined sunflower or olive oil. Put it on low heat for 1 hour. After that, strain the prepared mixture, cool slightly and apply to the affected areas of the skin.
Fruit infusion. To prepare a remedy for chronic diarrhea or impaired kidney function, you should take 2 fruits of the plant, chop well and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 3 hours. After the time has passed, take the medicine for 2 tbsp. l. 5 times a day. Also, this decoction is useful for diseases of the upper respiratory tract caused by inflammatory processes.

In addition to these recipes, the juice of the flowers of this plant is actively used. It can be purchased ready-made in pharmacies.

The difference between horse chestnut and edible chestnut

How to distinguish a horse chestnut from an edible plant? There are a number of visual distinctive features of these plants:

Edible chestnut has not such large leaves, they are pointed at the top.
The inflorescences of these plants differ significantly. The edible plant blooms in narrow and long catkins.
The edible chestnut tastes sweeter, as for the second type of plant, it has a bitter taste.
Horse chestnut usually has one fruit per nutlet, the edible tree grows mainly with two fruits.
The rind of the horse chestnut fruit has a bright greenish tint. The edible chestnut is brown with many long spines.

The only similarity of these plants is the fruits. They are glossy and dark brown in color. They practically do not differ in shape and size.

Contraindications to the use of the plant

Medicines based on horse chestnut are not suitable for every person, as they have some contraindications. The use of this plant should be abandoned in such cases:

regular constipation;
low acidity of gastric juice in chronic gastritis;
low blood pressure;
poor blood clotting;
violation of the menstrual cycle in women;
period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

During the period of taking preparations based on chestnut tree, a person may experience nausea or severe heartburn. Therefore, before using them, it is imperative to consult with your doctor. He will evaluate the feasibility of such a method of exposure, and also suggest the most effective dosage, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body of each patient.

Home " Master Class " Chestnut tree planting and care. Chestnut diseases and how to treat them.

Chestnut is a very beautiful and powerful tree, which also brings useful fruits. One of the main problems of its cultivation are various diseases. and pests. Let's see why chestnut leaves become rusty in summer and how to deal with it.

Fighting chestnut diseases

One of the most important rules for caring for a tree is to protect it from diseases and pests. In no case should you skip the preventive procedures because prevention is much easier than cure.

But if the tree is still sick, treatment should be started immediately to avoid complications. Besides, some diseases and pests can lead to death or the wilting of the chestnut tree.

Leaf spot: why leaves turn brown in summer

Diseases that appear on the foliage of a tree can be found quite often. Recently, regardless of the variety of chestnut (ordinary, horse, etc.), the leaves begin to turn yellow in the middle of summer, and then completely become rusty. Usually, Early treatment gives good results.

perforated spotting	Initially, small punctures appear on chestnut leaves, which gradually develop into large brown spots, if the treatment of the tree is not started immediately, then in a week the disease will spread throughout the crown. With the advanced form of perforated spotting, ulcers and swellings form on the bark.	There are many methods by which you can get rid of spotting, they are very easy to use and available to every gardener: First, you need to find out the cause of the disease and eliminate it. For example, to feed a chestnut, stop abundant watering, or build a small shelter around the tree from a peg and a film. These actions will help stop the spread of the disease; Every 10 days before the start of flowering and 1 time after it, the crown of the tree is treated with a weak solution of the Brod liquid, you can also use its substitutes, such as Azofos, Skor or Bayleton; The next method is more complicated, during the opening of the buds and after flowering, the tree is sprayed with Brodsky liquid, if the disease has grown, then such procedures will have to be repeated once a month throughout the season. To best consolidate the effect, when preparing a tree for winter, the crown is treated with a 5% solution of urea (5 grams per 1 liter of water), and the soil around it with a 7% solution (7 grams per 1 liter of water).
black spot	Experts identify 2 reasons why such a disease appears: excess moisture caused by too frequent watering or heavy rainfall; lack of potassium in the soil. If a black spot forms on a tree, then the leaves begin to turn black and fall off, a general weakening of the chestnut, slow growth and a decrease in the number of flowers are also observed.
Red-brown spotting	At too high temperatures, dark red spots may form on the leaves, which gradually grow, begin to brown and cover most of the leaf. The disease can appear due to an excess of moisture or a sharp temperature drop (hot during the day, cold at night).
brown spot	Brown spotting differs from red-brown only in the shade of spots and in the fact that they appear on both sides of the leaf.

Brown chestnut spot Red-brown chestnut spot

In order to get rid of spotting once and for all, it is first necessary to remove and burn all the affected foliage, dig up the trunk circle and carry out sanitary pruning.