Horsetail as a fungal deterant?

[roitelet]

I have access to some horsetail (not on my land thank goodness) and plan to make up some fungal deterant with it like this ;-

200g fresh horse tail simmered in 2 ltrs of rain water for 1 hour.
To use dilute 1 - 5 and start spraying early in the season to build up the plants resistance to fungal attack.

It is something to do with the high levels of silica in the Horsetail.

It can also be made in the same as comfrey or nettle 'brew'.

Anyone tried this?

[heebiejeebie]

no - but I do have some horsetail and it's nice to know it might have a use!

[terrier]

Is the plant Horsetail te same plant as Mares Tail ? It grows on a single stem a bit like a fern with a long straight black root.

[shirley]

yes it is the same..i've got loads.....mmmmmmm could I market this product, only joking but it is nice to know that there is something I can do with mares tail rather than just moaning about the stuff

[Paulottie]

Interesting is this a french recipe? Do please keep me posted as to its success/not

[dexterdoglancashire]

Again - would be interested to hear the results!

[Snadger]

Here's a link to an interesting site! Didn't realise how many plants had fungiscidal properties!

http://www.pfaf.org/database/search_...B%5D=Fungicide

[Flummery]

It can also be used as a pan scourer. You scrunch it up and polish your pans with it. Allegedly.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Here's a link to an interesting site! Didn't realise how many plants had fungiscidal properties!

http://www.pfaf.org/database/search_...B%5D=Fungicide

Very interesting Snadger!

[roitelet]

Thanks for the responses everyone. The link was very interesting Snadger.

I have made the brew and am going to use it on the winter Garlic which has a bad attack of rust and will report on the progress.

[Dobby]

we have lots of horsetail hear if any one wonts some feel free to come and dig it up
thanks for the tips thow will try it