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Box tree moth rare: "Meanwhile, sparrows are eating the larvae"

2022-08-17T11:11:32.040Z


Box tree moth rare: "Meanwhile, sparrows are eating the larvae" Created: 08/17/2022, 1:00 p.m By: Stefan Reich Hardly seen this year: the caterpillars of the box tree moth. One reason could be that there are hardly any box trees left. © Peter Kneffel/dpa The box tree moth, which can cause immense damage, is rarely seen in the district this year. About the little animals and the plant they are


Box tree moth rare: "Meanwhile, sparrows are eating the larvae"

Created: 08/17/2022, 1:00 p.m

By: Stefan Reich

Hardly seen this year: the caterpillars of the box tree moth.

One reason could be that there are hardly any box trees left.

© Peter Kneffel/dpa

The box tree moth, which can cause immense damage, is rarely seen in the district this year.

About the little animals and the plant they are working on.

District – They are often tiny, but the damage can be immense: When insect species that have been introduced begin to spread, alarm bells ring among conservationists, foresters and gardeners.

That was the case when the Asian long-horned beetle spread in the Upper Bavarian forests and also when the box tree moth appeared.

But although the weather this year actually offers ideal breeding conditions for the moth that was introduced from Asia in the 2000s, the district seems to have been spared.

"It's dry and warm, so it's actually ideal for the larvae to pupate," says Jürgen Ehrhardt, consultant for garden culture and landscape conservation in the Starnberg district office.

"But I assume that there is no significant potential for damage." Otherwise he would have received a number of calls from affected garden owners by now.

The box tree moth lays its eggs in box tree hedges, on the underside of the leaves.

The caterpillars then eat leaves and shoots after hatching before pupating.

In 2006 the borer was observed in Germany for the first time.

The first sighting in Bavaria was in Franconia in 2010.

In 2018, when there was also a hot and dry summer, the moth caterpillars also caused damage in the Starnberg district - in Tutzing and Herrsching, in the northern Fünfseenland, in the western district and in the Würmtal.

Many of those affected turned to Ehrhardt for advice at the time, as they did in 2019. Now, three years later, the expert is almost a little surprised that the borer appears to only occur selectively.

He has seen one or two damaged books.

However, he has not yet received any inquiries from affected garden owners this year.

"Population dynamics are not really predictable," states Ehrhardt succinctly.

But at least he has a few explanations.

"Initially, the box tree moth had no predators in Europe," says Ehrhardt.

"Meanwhile, however, sparrows go into the box and eat the larvae." And, perhaps more decisively: "There are simply fewer and fewer box trees in which the moths can lay their eggs." In many cemeteries, the box trees are now surrounded by other plants replaced.

"Damaged plants are taken out immediately for aesthetic reasons," reports Ehrhardt.

And many private garden owners have also said goodbye to boxwood.

But not everyone can part with their beloved Buchs, not even with a borer infestation.

Ehrhardt can understand that.

“The boxwood is an important ornamental tree.

It has its appeal as a border in cottage gardens.

It is easy to cut into shape, for example into impressive balls.

Replacing a boxwood garden that has grown over generations is difficult and expensive.”

If the infestation is discovered early, there is still a chance of rescue.

"If only the leaves are eaten, the box can recover," says Ehrhardt.

But first the caterpillars have to be removed, they either have to be collected by hand or sprayed out with a strong jet of water.

It is best to spread a foil under the plants beforehand.

"It's not easy to catch everyone.

They are often deep in the plant.” Poison is not an option, says Ehrhardt.

There are no longer any approved preparations for home and allotment gardens.

Once the caterpillars are out, the plant needs a lot of water and a good amount of hardwood fertilizer.

If the shoot tips have already been eaten, nothing will usually help.

The expert advice is to shred it and then dispose of it via the green waste collection points at the recycling depots.

Plant remains should not be placed on the compost, as this would only promote propagation.

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After the surprisingly low distribution this summer, was the farewell to the boxwood, which has often been heard in recent years, perhaps a little premature?

Maybe, says Ehrhardt.

"But I wouldn't invest huge sums in Buchs." Because the plant doesn't tolerate drought particularly well either.

Due to the changing climate, you have to "slowly rethink many aspects of the garden".  

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-08-17

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