
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 4, 1991                   TAG: 9104030110
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-10   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Lelia Mayton
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SUNSHINE, DRAINING IMPORTANT IN PREVENTING DOGWOOD DISEASE

We get many calls from homeowners who want to know how to prevent dogwood anthracnose. This disease has caused shoot death in Cornus florida (dogwood) in the Eastern U.S. The problem has been most severe at higher elevations and in forests.

Researchers at a number of universities have been studying the problem and are reporting some "good news" as it relates to in what areas dogwoods are more susceptible to this disease, as well as its control. Recent reports show that dogwoods in well-drained areas that receive at least a half-day of sunshine dailty are at significantly lower risk.

Commercially produced trees and trees in landscape settings are normally in sunnier spots, which are less inviting for disease.

The biggest enemy of flowering dogwoods in the home landscape is not anthracnose disease, but rather lawn-mower or string-trimmer damage to the trunk.

The Horticulture Research Institute recommmends the following practices:

Mulching around the tree base, to prevent drought, is urged, followed by improving air circulation around the tree, perhaps through pruning or thinning dogwoods and surrounding trees. Keep mulch material approximately 3-4 inches from the tree trunk. Watering should be limited to the base of the tree to prevent wetting of foliage when possible.

Fertilizing with a balanced N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) formula, based on a soil test, should improve tree vigor and natural resistance. It is also important not to overfeed.

Pruning out dead twigs and removing healthy sprouts at the base of the tree may be helpful.

When selecting new trees, purchase only nursery-grown trees. Do not transplant trees from the forest, as this is primarily a forest disease. Transplanting can bring the disease into your landscape. Select the proper site - trees need well drained soil, good air movement, and at least six hours of direct sun on an average day. Do not plant trees too deep!

In the fall, dispose of dogwood leaves rather than using them as a mulch.

Avoid mechanical injury from mowers or string trimmers.

If you would like to learn about commercial cultivation of ginseng, you are invited to a Virginia Ginseng Growers Conference to be held on Saturday in Abingdon. The conference will be held in Ratliff Hall at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center from 10 a.m. to noon, and is sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.

Market demand for ginseng is very strong. In 1990, prices paid for cultivated, dried roots ranged from $35 to $120 per lb. There are over 60 registered ginseng buyers stationed all across Virginia.

A fee of $5 will help pay for conference expenses. For more information, call the extension office at 382-5790.

by CNB