The box tree caterpillar has come top of the list of gardeners' concerns. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) said it was the number one pest inquiry, as it continues to spread across the UK.
The alder leaf beetle, which feeds on the leaves of trees, entered the top 10 for only the second time. The beetle has recently become re-established in some parts of England.
Honey fungus was the top concern in terms of diseases, while other types of fungi took advantage of the warm wet weather to attack fruit trees.
The RHS has analysed thousands of gardener enquiries for its latest tally of top 10 diseases and pests. The charity is conducting research into controls for the box tree caterpillar, focusing on the use of nematodes.
THE RHS TOP TEN PESTS
1. Box tree caterpillar
2. Vine weevil
3. Slugs/snails
4. Fuchsia gall mite
5. Alder leaf beetle
6. Woolly aphid
7= Rosy apple aphid
7= Viburnum beetle
9. Glasshouse red spider mite
10. Plum leaf-curling aphid.
THE TOP TEN DISEASES FOR 2019:
1. Honey fungus
2. Phytophthora root rot
3. Box blight
4. Pear rust
5. Brown rot of fruit
6. Leaf spot and canker of Prunus
7. Apple and pear scab
8. Rose black spot
9= Blossom wilt of fruit trees
9= Powdery mildew of Prunus.
(top ten in terms of calls for advice)
