The trunks of young trees are clean, while the bark of old ones is covered with lichens. What are they? How to get rid of them and is it necessary? Let's try to figure it out. Lichens are a large group of symbiotic organisms consisting of fungi and microscopic green algae or cyanobacteria. According to modern classification, lichens are included in the Kingdom of Fungi. Currently, the lichen group has more than 26,000 species.
Parmelia sulcata grows on the trunks and branches of deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as on processed wood and rocky substrates, usually in well-lit places. © Svdmolen
General information about lichens
Lichen is a natural creature, a living organism. It appears as a result of a symbiosis of a fungus and blue-green algae. Fungi feed the algae with salts and moisture from the environment, after which they absorb organic matter from them.
The body of the organism is thallous, of various shapes. It can be a tube, a plate, a bush, a round lump or a crust. The lichen grows slowly, adding only 1–2 mm per year. The organism reproduces by a piece of thallus.
Lichen has the ability to fall into suspended animation when there is no moisture to nourish it. All life processes slow down, but do not stop completely. As soon as a good rain passes, the lichen returns to its normal state.
Important! The lichen has no roots; it does not feed on the cell sap of the fruit tree.
There are many types of lichen that settle on the trunks of fruit trees:
- bushy;
- scale;
- scaly;
- lamellar.
Its color varies, depending on the color of the protozoan algae. Yellow, silver-gray, blue and yellow-green lichens are found on fruit trees.
From a scientific point of view, lichens survive only in ecologically clean areas. In a polluted place where there is little oxygen, they do not develop. Lichen is a good indicator for the environment. It absorbs everything that is in the air, including harmful substances that destroy it. However, the body tolerates high and low temperatures well. The lichen feels great both at -50 °C and at +60 °C.
This is what the lichen looks like in the photo:
Experienced gardeners have noticed that lichen does not settle on young trees. In seedlings, all vegetative processes occur faster, the bark is constantly growing, so the lichen cannot attach.
If the bark is heavily damaged by bacteria, this indicates disease. The fact is that as the tree ages, all wood renewal processes slow down; such conditions are considered favorable for the development of lichen. Viral bacteria settle in cracks, and the moisture that accumulates after rain only contributes to their proliferation.
Description of the main types of lichens
Lichens are a kind of tandem of algae and fungi. They have a beneficial effect on each other, sharing moisture and salts. Many people believe that lichens have their own root system. But in fact this is not true. In addition, these growths do not suck the sap from the plants; they only use the tree as a support.
Did you know? There is no need to be panicky about lichens, because fungal growths cannot develop in a polluted environment. Therefore, if this organism appears on an apple tree, it means that the garden is in an environmentally safe place.
Externally, the growths differ, as do the methods of dealing with them. Today, about 30 thousand species of organisms are known, which differ in color, shape, and the need for light and air. Lichens and moss grow on any surface at a rate of 0.1–0.9 cm per year.
Xanthoria wall
It also has another name - goldenwort. It develops slowly (only 1 mm per year) and looks like an orange or golden speck; in a shaded area it has a pale color. Belongs to the leaf-shaped varieties.
Crustose lichens
These organisms are also called crustaceous. They are attached to any surface, including the bark of fruit trees. But they can also develop in the ground. They have a light or dark brown color, sometimes completely invisible.
Fruticose lichens of all varieties
They look like growths with numerous flattened or round branches collected in bunches. They grow on living bark or its remains. Sometimes they can develop in the soil.
Leaf lichens
The second name is lamellar. They have different shapes and sizes, mainly growing in breadth. They are attached to the surface of the bark. Color: green or yellow-green.
Botanical description of moss
Moss is a real plant, but it does not have roots. It grows quickly even on young wood. On fruit trees, moss thrives at high air humidity. Most often it settles in dense places.
Mossy plants reproduce by spores. There are many types of them in nature, some are used to decorate the site. However, they should not be grown near fruit trees to avoid infection.
Removal with a scraper
The scraper must be made of wood, since a metal one can damage the wood. Moss and lichen are easier to remove in the spring when trees have more moisture. You need to lay a tarp or film under the tree and scrape off the peeling bark with all the pests and their eggs and pupae until you get healthy wood. Then treat the cleaned areas with iron sulfate (1-3%). Spray the soil under the tree with a urea solution, placing one matchbox on a bucket of water.
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Reasons for appearance
Most often, lichen and moss appear on the trunk and branches of a tree for a natural reason - aging of the bark. Often their presence indicates a severe wood disease.
There are a number of other reasons that influence the appearance of lichens and moss:
- cracks in the bark from the sun;
- frost breakers;
- thickened crown;
- root disease due to high groundwater;
- too much watering.
Poor tree care, untimely pruning of the crown, improper watering and poor planting location lead to damage to the wood. An attentive gardener will notice the appearance of lichen in time, as it grows slowly. This will allow you to start treatment as early as possible.
Mechanical way of fighting
This method of combating unwanted growths is best done with young trees whose bark is still smooth. Using a wooden scraper, it is necessary to completely remove moss or lichen growths from the surface of the trees; a regular nylon brush is also perfect for this. This method will not only clean the bark, but will also help the tree rejuvenate and increase its productivity. But after such cleaning, it is best to spray the branches of the tree, as well as its trunk, with a solution of five percent iron sulfate mixed with fifty liters of water.
It is very important that there are no particles of unwanted plants left under the tree, as they will be able to continue their life activity there. Therefore, after mechanical cleaning, it is necessary to carefully remove any remaining growths and even fallen leaves.
Why you need to remove lichen and moss
Lichens and mosses on fruit trees are not harmful in themselves, but they are a good breeding ground for various bacteria and a hiding place for pests. That is why we need to start an immediate fight against them. Even a small affected area indicates that the soil is too waterlogged.
A large amount of lichen and moss on the bark blocks the access of oxygen to the tissues. The tree begins to bear fruit poorly; bacteria enter the cracks, which lead to disease. During frosts, the bark bursts, becomes deformed, and becomes rough. If treatment is not started, the fruit plant may die completely.
Problematic and useful moss
It is often not clear which groups of lichens belong to moss. This name may refer to the following species:
Many “popular sources” consider moss moss and “reindeer moss” to be exact synonyms, but this is not the case. In these species, a foliose thallus first develops, which later turns into a bushy thallus. These are the exceptions to the rules.
Yagel in the service of history
Crucible lichens helped determine the age of the stone idols of Easter Island. Comparing photographs taken about 100 years ago with modern measurements helped calculate the average annual growth of this plant. Now, thanks to extreme species, scientists are clarifying data on the movements of glaciers and changes in their size.
Found beneath layers of volcanic ash from Vesuvius, orange-hued textile materials appear to have been treated with dyes based on a local species of xanthorium.
It is known that the Vikings used reindeer moss in baking, so finds of its components may be evidence of their presence in remote places.
Application in medicine
Due to the high content of usnic acid, sometimes up to 10 percent by weight, many lichens have antibiotic and analgesic properties. According to some reports, this substance can slow down the development of tuberculosis. But remember, a large amount of acid is a contraindication, and not a desirable indicator, as there is a health hazard. For this reason, bearded lichen and many types of moss need to be soaked in a solution of baking soda or for a longer time in clean running water. Derivatives of this acid are capable of killing many types of bacteria and suppressing the proliferation of highly resistant ones that have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The peoples of the north use the healing properties of “reindeer moss” in folk remedies.
Cetraria have found use in the production of medicines against diarrhea, viral and microbial colds, and to stimulate hunger in gastrointestinal disorders.
Contraindications: preparations based on moss moss are not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women due to the individual sensitivity of small children and the tendency to develop allergies.
If you start using “natural preparations”, do not forget to consult with qualified specialists.
Use in the food industry
During the Civil War, due to a shortage of wheat flour, dried lichens stored in pharmacists' warehouses were used.
In northern countries, moss is used to feed small and large ruminants and pigs due to its high satiety, which is three times higher than potatoes. In Sweden, folk alcoholic drinks based on lichens are still brewed today.
Recently, an innovative project for the production of bread, seasonings and even confectionery was launched in Yamal. They promise that the following fast food menu will appear: crackers, the production of which does not require yeast, several types of sauce, buns and other goodies. We must not forget that due to the newness of the product, contraindications have not yet been fully studied.
Source
How to deal with lichen and moss on fruit trees
Lichen and yellow moss are removed from the fruit tree in early spring or autumn; the work is combined with scheduled pruning and cleaning of the garden. But in case of severe damage, there is no need to pull; the growths are cleaned off as soon as they are discovered.
There are many methods to combat lichens and mosses, they depend on the age of the tree. On old plants, all affected areas are cut off immediately, the bark is stripped to a healthy place and disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate or other preparations containing copper. Burn all garbage, as pest larvae hide there.
Lichens on fruit trees are controlled using folk remedies or chemical methods.
How to get rid of moss on fruit trees mechanically
To get rid of moss or lichen on tree bark, start with mechanical cleaning. To do this, you will need a wooden scraper, which is pre-disinfected. You need to start cleaning in the spring, while the affected areas are damp.
Before the procedure, the tree trunk circle is covered with film, paper or other material to prevent debris from getting onto the soil. Cleaning is done carefully so as not to touch the healthy bark, because pests, microbes and bacteria live in lichens. They get inside the tree. After mechanical cleaning, deep cracks are covered with garden pitch or clay mixed with manure. Then the affected areas are sprayed with preparations containing copper.
Advice! All remnants of moss and lichen must be burned to prevent their proliferation.
How to deal with moss on fruit trees by disinfection
The fight against moss and lichen on fruit trees can be carried out using disinfectants that burn the affected areas.
In early spring, before the buds open, the bark is sprayed with a 10% solution of iron sulfate. The growths will disappear in a week.
If the damage is not severe, then you can get by by spraying the fruit trees with lime milk. It is prepared like this:
- lime - 1 kg;
- water - 10 l.
Dilute lime in water and spray the crown well. Then use the antifungal drug “Skor”. It is prepared according to the instructions.
The following composition will help quickly remove stubborn growths:
- slaked lime - 600 g;
- powdered sulfur - 400 gr.
Mix lime with 500 ml of water, put on fire, bring to a boil. Carefully dilute sulfur in 1.5 liters of water and pour into the solution. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until the mixture turns red. The solution turns out to be highly concentrated; it is diluted before spraying. Add only 100 ml of product to 5 liters of water.
Spraying is done once. After 2-3 days, all growths completely disappear.
Important! The mixture cannot be stored; work with it only with gloves and goggles, as it is poisonous.
There is another quick way to get rid of moss on fruit trees using soda ash. Add 0.5 tbsp of soda to a bucket of water, mix well and apply the solution to the affected areas with a brush. The lichens dry out within a week and fall off on their own.
How to remove lichens from fruit trees by whitewashing
In autumn, whitewash is used to combat lichen on fruit trees. The bark is first cleaned, then treated with the prepared solution. Add 3 kg of lime, 100 g of copper sulfate and 1 tbsp to a bucket of water. l. table salt, 1 tbsp. low-fat milk.
The solution is applied to the affected areas, it lasts well until spring.
Important! Young trees under five years of age are not treated with whitewash.
For whitewashing old trees, a different composition is used:
- fatty clay - 1 kg;
- water - 10 l;
- slaked lime - 2 kg;
- copper sulfate - 500 g.
Mix everything, apply the composition to the skeletal branches with a layer of 2 mm.
If the damage to young trees is not severe, another mixture is prepared. Dilute 2 kg of water-emulsion paint and 30 g of karbofos. Before whitewashing, the composition is diluted half and half with water and applied to the wood. This mixture helps protect the bark from rodents.
How to deal with moss if the tree dries out
An adult tree begins to dry out for a number of reasons, as a result of which mosses appear. Lichens themselves do not lead to the death of the plant. Probable reasons:
- wood cancer;
- root rot.
Root rot is difficult to detect. But it is possible to recognize a cancer lesion. The lichen needs to be cleaned, if there is blackened wood underneath, then it is cancer. In this case, the bark is cut out to a healthy place and disinfected with copper sulfate. All waste is removed from the site and burned.
Important! If the reason why the branches dry out has not been identified, then the affected areas are in any case cleaned and sprayed with a disinfectant.
Thinning pruning will save the garden
If your garden is very neglected, almost all the trees are covered with lichen and moss, then before starting the cleaning procedure it is necessary to carry out sanitary felling. Because some trees may be so heavily infested with lichen growth that it will be useless to clear them.
Examine each tree carefully and trim off overgrown branches. In addition, do not forget to do constant thinning pruning of garden trees so that their crowns do not thicken. This will have a beneficial effect on the additional flow of air and light. In such a garden there will be no high humidity and, accordingly, excessive growth of mosses and lichens.
After thinning, remove large parts of lichens and mosses mechanically (by scraping). Then prepare a solution of iron or (alternatively) copper sulfate: dissolve 300 g of powder in 10 liters of water.
First, thoroughly stir the vitriol powder in a small amount of hot water, and then, adding cold water a little at a time, bring to the desired volume
Trees are treated with this composition in the same way as iron sulfate. Treatment with a solution in exactly this concentration is carried out once every 5 years. And sometimes just one time is enough and your garden will be rid of mosses and lichens forever.
Prevention of the appearance of mosses and lichens
It is not so difficult to treat lichen and moss on fruit trees, but it is better to prevent its appearance. For preventive purposes, the garden is thinned out, old trees are removed, and the crown is cleared of thickening branches.
If groundwater is located close to the surface, then drainage ditches are dug. In early spring, preventive treatment with vitriol solution is mandatory. The ambient temperature should not fall below +5 °C. When spraying, pay special attention to the forks of skeletal branches.
To ensure that lichen does not settle on the site, you need to regularly treat it against fungal diseases and pests. In addition, it is important to increase the tree’s immunity with special fertilizers.
Prevention
The fight against lichens in the garden may not be necessary if preventive measures are taken in a timely manner. Prevention is carried out in the old fashioned way - ordinary whitewashing.
The work is carried out in late autumn, this time is most favorable to fight parasites and lichens. At the end of winter or early spring, the procedure is repeated and the whitewash is renewed.
For young trees, whitening the bark is not necessary; it can even be harmful. A dense layer of lime clogs the pores, disrupts gas exchange, and prevents the timely thickening of the stem.
Before working, be sure to protect your hands, eyes and other parts of your body. The ideal option is long sleeves, rubber gloves, and safety glasses. Lime mortar is an aggressive alkaline environment; it can cause burns and wounds if it comes into contact with exposed areas of the body. If you fail to protect yourself, immediately rinse the affected area with clean water.
Can moss interfere with tree development?
Now let’s consider the potential harm from the appearance of such a guest in our garden. Mosses are tiny perennial plants up to 50mm long. They do not have flowers, but instead of roots they have root hairs (rhizoids). Rhizoids are one elongated cell or several cells growing in a row. They serve to attach the plant to the base surface and absorb moisture.
A sporophyte grows directly on the body of the moss - a thin stalk, at the end of which a box - sporangium - is formed, inside this box a large number of spores mature.
Mosses reproduce by spores, therefore, having appeared on one tree, they quickly move to neighboring trees by wind, rain, and insects, which, first of all, violates the aesthetic beauty of the garden and gives it an unkempt appearance.
Moss spreads over the bark of a tree in a continuous thick carpet, which prevents the free access of air and moisture to the surface of the trunk and branches. This slows down the development of the tree and reduces its fruitfulness.
In addition, the accumulation of moss is an excellent shelter for various pests, larvae, bacteria and spores of already parasitic plants. Therefore, it is better to prevent the appearance of moss on your trees.
A sporophyte grows directly on the body of the moss - a thin stalk, at the end of which a box is formed - a sporangium, where spores mature. Martin LaBar
The apple tree is drying up because it suffers from fruit rot (moniliosis)
Moniliosis is one of the most dangerous diseases of fruit trees. And most often, apple tree branches dry out precisely for this reason. The infection instantly spreads throughout the garden and in a humid summer can destroy up to 80% of the crop. And if left untreated, it can kill the tree. The disease affects not only apple trees, but pears, quince, rowan, plums, cherry plums, cherries, sweet cherries, apricots and peaches.
Symptoms of apple tree moniliosis
The causative agents of fruit rot are a group of fungi that infect leaves and fruits - they rot directly on the tree. The infection is spread by wind, raindrops, and insects. Damaged fruits - those with cracks, wormholes and eaten by wasps and birds - are the first to get sick.
symptoms of apple tree moniliosis
The causative agents of the disease for the most part overwinter in rotten fruits, which remain hanging on the trees after harvesting - they mummify and remain sources of infection for 2 years. Gradually, the fungus penetrates through the stalk into the fruit branches and settles there. And in the spring it affects flowers and young ovaries.
When warm, humid weather sets in, the spores begin to spread from tree to tree, affecting the garden more and more. Moreover, the disease spreads very quickly - the fruits of apple and pear trees completely rot in just 3-5 days after infection, and sporulation begins after 8-10 days. In the second half of summer, the second wave of the disease begins - the shoots of the apple tree begin to dry out: first the tops, then the drying goes down the branch.
apple tree moniliosis
What to do if you find apple tree moniliosis on your property?
Prevention also plays an important role here. If the fruits have been eaten by wasps, eaten by birds, or damaged by hail, immediately remove all damaged fruits.
In autumn, collect and burn fallen leaves. And throughout the summer - carrion and rotten fruits that hang on the branches. Also immediately cut out the dried branches, and not only the affected part - you need to grab another 10-15 healthy tissues and burn them.
Treating moniliosis is not easy - it will take time, effort and several medications.
The treatment plan for moniliosis is as follows:
A month before harvesting, treat the garden with Fitosporin-M (according to the instructions) or iodine solution (10 ml per 10 liters of water). After 3 days, repeat spraying. Pay attention to the fight against scab - it damages the fruits, and through these damages moniliosis spores enter them. In early spring, treat pears and apple trees with 3% Bordeaux mixture (300 g of copper sulfate and 450 g of quicklime per 10 liters of water) over a green cone. If you don’t have time, you can spray at the beginning of the formation of buds, but the solution must be made weaker - 1% (100 g of copper sulfate and 150 g of quicklime per 10 liters of water). Carry out the second treatment with 1% Bordeaux mixture immediately after flowering. 15–20 days after flowering, spray the garden with copper oxychloride (40 g per 10 liters of water) or 1% Bordeaux mixture. In all cases, the application rate for 1 tree is 2 liters
In all cases, the consumption rate of the drug per 1 tree is 2 liters.
Apple tree varieties resistant to moniliosis: Idared, Babushkino, Kandil Sinap, Slavyanka, Uralets.
dead apple orchard
Drug "Skor"
If the problem occurs from time to time, use the fungicide "Skor" as a preventive measure. It is a concentrated emulsion. to low-toxic drugs, but when using it it is worth using protective equipment.
To obtain a solution, take 2 ml of the drug per 10 liters of water. The emulsion is first diluted in a small amount of warm water, and then the remaining water is added.
"Skor" is most effective at air temperatures from 14 to 25°C. Treatment with the drug is carried out in early spring before flowering.
By clearing fruit trees of moss and lichens, you will improve the health of your garden. In addition, these measures will serve to prevent infection of trees by fungi and bacteria that use growths for reproduction. The trees will respond to care with a high harvest.
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