Blackspot on Elms...

With the new leaf growth coming, one of my Yatsubusa Elms is showing signs of the fungal problem of Blackspot. I've begun a regime of total spraying of both sides of the new foliage every 3rd day for three weeks now and the problem continues, albeit not as much now.
I'm using Bayer's Advanced Disease Control in a sprayer for now and am wondering if there is any systemic fungicide that will work to combat this fungus?
Any help or suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

Have you been removing the affected leaves? A fungicide will protect better if there is less infection to protect against. Also, water your trees without wetting the foliage, and bring inside during rain.

My apologies Nina for not mentioning that I keep my bonsai indoors on a specially made light bench.
In regards to water and spraying, I agree that using a spray to apply a fungicide seems odd. I'm hoping to find a systemic fungicide. Could you please mention which fungicide you use?
In regards to my removal of leaves, I do so every day with a pair of tweezers, even plucking ones that show black tips before turning yellow.
What I've started to do is water by dunking, so as to not get the leaves wet. I use a special plastic bin for the infected elm so as to not infect other bonsai.
Many thanks for your reply.

Wm Tom Davis wrote:I keep my bonsai indoors on a specially made light bench.

That may be your problem. Elms are outdoor trees.

Wm Tom Davis wrote:I agree that using a spray to apply a fungicide seems odd. I'm hoping to find a systemic fungicide. Could you please mention which fungicide you use?

I don't think there is a systemic fungicide available to the public. You need to solve the problem environmentally.

Wm Tom Davis wrote:What I've started to do is water by dunking, so as to not get the leaves wet. I use a special plastic bin for the infected elm so as to not infect other bonsai.

Dunking is not recommended. If the problem is a root fungus, you may only make it worse.
Get your elm outside as soon as temperatures go above freezing, in shade at first. It will be much happier outdoors for the summer, eventually in full sun.
Iris

Thank you Iris for your reply.

As we have spoke before, I know that Elms are "outdoor" trees, and that some Elms come from more tropic areas than others and can handle being kept indoors. There are many bonsaists, both here in the US and in England that keep their Elms indoors. I was hoping to maybe get some advice from them as well.

I have since learned after writing this thread that there is a systemic disease control for plants on the market. The name is "Infuse," and it has been recommended by others. It can be found at hardwareandtools.com.
Here is that link:
Hardware and Tools.com ~ Infuse

The use of dunking as a watering technique has been used for smaller bonsai for years. The reason behind it is that when dunked, all of the old air that has been at the roots gets flushed out and new air makes its way in to help oxygenate the soil and help with root growth. If you get a chance, go to Lindsey Farr's website and watch the bonsai care video about watering tips. He recommends and talks about the benefits of watering by dunking. I have found his video series very informative and helpful.

When I move back to Southern California in June, I'll have a place outside where I can put these and my other shohin bonsai.

Again, Thanks Iris.

Hi Tom,

I battled black spot on my elms until I read that spraying milk will control the fungus. Why spray chemicals when something natural works and it has for me the last five years. I usually wait until I see black spots , remove the infected leaves and start the weekly spraying. Here is a web site that talks about milk as a fungicide:

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/organic_gardening/78810

And also I have used systemics but lost a fukian tea after soil application. I'll never use them again!!

Good luck..

Norma

Thanks Norma for the informative article.
I noticed that it was a good controller of Black Spot but not a cure.
Its definitely worth a try, especially with the left-over breakfast milk.

What I have done so far, as it is still early Spring, is to totally defoliate the tree and hopefully after treating the trunk and branches with fungicide for two weeks, I'm hoping to have killed off the infestation. What I now have is a tree that is beginning to bud again and in a few weeks will have a disease free tree.

I'll keep this thread updated as to how this bonsai progresses.

Again, Many thanks to all who have shared their insights. I'm very grateful.