I've just relocated to central oregon, Collection in tow. I now live in an area of predominantly lodgepole pine forest with ponderosa pine as a minor component. All the lodgepole here are infected with dwarf mistletoe. A substantial amount of ponderosa also show infection although not as heavily. My research has found that while various mistletoes are species specific, there can be cross species infections. I've also have blue spruce with infections here. Interestingly, mugo pine and bristlecone pine show no infection.
Most written material recommends cutting off infected branches to stop spread. A crucial design branch or worse, a trunk infection kind of puts a damper on that method. One author recommended painting the mistletoe fruiting body with straight Roundup. I'm a little concerned about introducing a systemic herbicide to a host bonsai that way. Anyone else have to deal with this problem?
Most written material recommends cutting off infected branches to stop spread. A crucial design branch or worse, a trunk infection kind of puts a damper on that method. One author recommended painting the mistletoe fruiting body with straight Roundup. I'm a little concerned about introducing a systemic herbicide to a host bonsai that way. Anyone else have to deal with this problem?