The Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a small tree that in its natural state can grow up to 15 meters in height, it is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a tree sensitive to frost, it is attacked by cochineal, aphids and the bold fungus. It suffers from diseases such as leaf pox and root rot, among others. This post shows how to manage these Laurel pests and diseases.
the laurel
This small tree comes from the Mediterranean region where wild populations are still observed. It is a shrub with perennial dark green leaves, which together with its flowers are very aromatic, it is cultivated as a bushy plant to form hedges, massifs or as a solitary shrub in Mediterranean gardens. It is also used as an indoor plant and is grown in a pot until it is about 2 meters tall, before being transplanted.
When it is used as an ornamental plant, it has to be pruned to maintain the harmony of its growth, if it is grown in a pot it is pruned to give it the shape of a pyramid, cone or a sphere, otherwise if the Laurel spends some time without pruning it can grow up to about 15 meters high. The planted Laurel formed hedges serves as a windbreak barrier, and for a natural fence, becoming a good green backdrop to grow smaller plants, with flowers of different striking colors.
Plague and illness management
Even though it is a tree typical of the Mediterranean region, it is sensitive to different climatic factors such as low temperatures, humidity, poor drainage, which means that due to this it is affected by some pests and diseases. For example, when the months of lower temperature are about to arrive, if you have a Laurel tree grown in a pot and located outside the house, it is suggested that during the autumn and winter you change its place to protect it, otherwise it will damaged by frost.
root rot
Although the Laurel is a tree that grows well in any soil, however, if there is a problem of poor drainage, it can suffer from diseases caused by fungi such as "root rot" that is caused by poor drainage and consequent excess of water in soil and high temperature. The high accumulation of water in the soil leads to the roots reaching the point of permanent wilting and, for this reason, the roots do not absorb enough oxygen and rot.
Once the roots get sick and rot. This damage to the roots makes it difficult for the plant to recover, this is because the rest of the bush begins to show symptoms, because the fungus is damaging the rest of the plant and its leaves are twisted or curved and they are colored differently. yellow. Since the damage starts at the root, it is difficult to save the bush. To control the situation, soil drainage must be improved and a specific fungicide must be applied to eliminate the fungus.
leaf pox
The management of the disease “leaf pox”. This is caused by the fungus Stigma carphopila, It also receives the name of “bad ammunition”. The mushroom Stigmina carphopila It causes reddish spots on the shoots, branches and leaves. To manage this disease it is suggested to prune the diseased parts of the Laurel bush and apply a systemic fungicide.
Bay Psylla Control
the psylla (Trioza alacris), It is a sucking insect that damages Laurel trees. This becomes evident when the leaves of this shrub are rolled up, they look wrinkled and become chlorotic. This insect is difficult to observe when it is attacking the Laurel tree, since it is a very restless insect. The symptoms are similar to those of the cochineal because it also exudes a molasses, which causes the appearance of the bold fungus.
For its control, it is suggested to eliminate the affected parts of the Laurel and then eliminate this insect using a systemic insecticide. You can also control it at home, removing damaged areas and cleaning the plant with soapy water. Yes, you are going to apply chemical insecticide, observe the manufacturer's recommendations, such as the dose and frequency of use, as well as the safety instructions specified in the phytosanitary product cards. When using the leaves later for culinary or medicinal use, wash very well.
Mealybugs
Cochineal control. The pest that most attacks Laurel trees is their main enemy. The percentage of attack of this pest in a Laurel plantation is 90% of the Laurel bushes. In addition, the "cochineal" exudes a molasses that attracts and settles the "bold" fungus, which causes aesthetic damage to the plant.
In addition to these insect and fungal pests, Laurel trees are not very resistant to aphids. Also, if they are planted in cold regions, outside the Mediterranean, they can be affected by low winter temperatures and especially by frost. And in the summer season it is recommended to protect the Laurel from solar radiation, so it is suggested to place it in a place with a little shade, in view, that its leaves can burn. For its phytosanity, it is recommended to water moderately and infrequently, since it resists droughts.
Features
The Laurel is a small dioecious evergreen tree (it has male and female flowers on the same tree), it has an average height of about 5 to 10 meters, it has a straight trunk with gray bark, its crown is very leafy, its leaves are bluish green, lanceolate or oblong lanceolate in shape, with a slightly wavy edge, their texture is coriaceous and they are very aromatic.
The apex of its leaves is acute and has an attenuated base. The leaves have an average size between 3 to 9 centimeters long, and have short petioles. The upper side of the leaves are shiny dark green, and the undersides are paler. The flowers grow in sessile umbel-type inflorescences with 4 to 6 yellowish flowers with 4 petals that sprout between the months of March and April and that, before opening, are wrapped in a subglobose involucre. The fruit is a berry of about 10 to 15 millimeters.
Culinary use
Laurel leaves are used in cooking recipes as a condiment, especially in Mediterranean food recipes and also in the cuisine of the American continent. Laurel leaves are used in recipes for soups, meats, vegetables, stews, seafood and also in recipes for sweets such as rice pudding. In general, the leaves are placed whole and removed before starting to consume the food. Also, they can be placed crushed or ground during the cooking of the food to give it the taste of the food.
Medicinal use
Laurel is a plant that helps improve appetite, it can be used as a stomach tonic, as well as a digestive, calagogue and carminative. Its essential oil extracted from Laurel leaves is used to relieve inflammation caused by osteoarticular and pediculosis. Caution must be taken with Laurel due to the fact that ingesting large quantities becomes toxic.
I invite you to continue knowing the wonderful nature and how to take care of it, reading the following posts: