Garlic to the rescue for the conker tree
Gardeners are to use garlic to fight bleeding canker, the tree disease that threatens to wipe out Britain's horse chestnuts. More than 3,000 trees have already been felled since the disease, which defies conventional treatments, appeared several years ago. But recently horticulture experts completed trials using allicin, obtained from garlic, and treatments are be tried out at English Heritage's properties in London and Gloucestershire. Allicin also protects against the leaf mining moth, which strips conker trees of foliage. Alan Cathersides of English Heritage said: "Leaves end up smelling of garlic and leaf miners seem to be repelled by that." Rural affairs Gardens Food & drink Conservation guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
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