How To Treat for Oak Wilt DIY
Oak Wilt Starter Kit with Alamo
The macro-infusion kit may be purchased with or without the fungicide.
Large Syringe with Cap
Measuring the fungicide can be difficult in a measuring cup and it is ill-advised to to use the same measuring cups that are used for food preparation. Large liquid syringes can be used for measuring and dispensing the fungicide safely and accurately.
Eye Protection
When performing macro-infusion, the system is under pressure. If an injection tee becomes dislodged, the fungicide may be forcibly sprayed, posing a risk of contact with your eyes and mouth.
Mallet/Soft Hammer
A rubber mallet or soft hammer is helpful when inserting the injection tees.
Diameter Breast Height (DBH) Tape
Diameter breast height can be determined by measuring the tree’s circumference at breast height and then diving by pi. For a simpler approach, use a forestry tape, which provides an easy and accurate measurement of DBH directly.
Manual Pump Kit without fungicide.
Fungicide may be purchased separately on Amazon.
Replacement Vinyl Tubing
Vinyl tubing will degrade over time when exposed to the sun and chemicals, causing the connections to the tees to weaken and become loose. If replacing the tubing for the Rainbow EcoScience kit, their vinyl tubing is 1/4 inch (1/4” ID) inner diameter and 3/8 inch (3/8” OD) outer diameter.
Face Mask
Although propiconazole is fairly “safe”, it should only be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
15/64” High Helix Drill Bits
Unlike traditional drill bits, high helix drill bits are sharpened on both edges. Drill bits should be changed after every 5-10 trees. Sharpened drill bits minimize damage to trees during the injection progress.
Connector Tees
Barbed drip irrigation tees. These are not the injection tees. Connector tees are used to connect tubing via multiple pathways which allows the solution to flow to the injection sites from an alternative pathway in the event that there is a blockage or leak. See our diagram for more details.
Propiconazole
The fungicide Propiconazole, often marketed under the trade name Alamo, is available for purchase on Amazon.
Worm Gear Hose Clamps
If the connection points between the injection tees and vinyl tubing begin to wear out, worm gear hose clamps can be used to keep the tees secured to the tubing.
Gloves
Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling the fungicide.
Pressure Gauge
Replacement pressure gauge. 2.5” dial size. 1/4” NPT.
Macro-infusion treatments should stay between 15-20 psi.
Injection Tees
Injection tees are not the typical irrigation tees. They have specialized holes in them that allow air bubbles to escape and for fluids to be drawn up the tree via multiple ports. Injection tees come with the Rainbow EcoScience kit, however they may need to be replaced after repeated use.
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Everything you need to perform macro-injections at home can be purchased from Rainbow EcoScience.
Generic Propiconazole can be purchased online here.