Damascus San Pedro Farm - A field trip with Liam Engel

[@BushyHairedStranger]

So these Suffer severe fungal attacks or “predation” by root fungal diseases. How can that be addressed? Are there any plants that grow symbiotically with San Pedro? Other types of Cacti or plants that can influence or repel the fungal predation?

[@danielpotter9629]

I like the idea of growing other plants with the cacti to aid their healthy. at this farm the cacti appear to growing almost as a monoculture, whereas the natural habitat photos I have seen show other plants and cacti growing in close proximity.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

@@danielpotter9629..healthy plant ecosystems cannot be monocultures. Forests made up of mixed Tree species, bushes, ferns, flowers & animals defend against predatory tree diseases & blights. The variety prevents fungal root rot from wiping out acres of one species. Laminar Root rot, Phelinis Weiri can decimate acres of the tree species Douglas Fir unless the root systems are braided underground with Cedar, Hemlock, Spruce, Alder, Maple Oak etc.. The unique tannins, nutrients, pitch, resins, all have protective or anti-infective properties & characteristics useful to these other more vulnerable Species. Mycelial root diversity supports Tree health which is a disruptors for funguses like Laminar Root rot-Phelinus Weiri. This Same principle might apply to Cacti, as long as the other plants or cacti used are Native or local to the region they’re helping within…bringing in outside plant species can create more problems and introduce new or worse funguses so one must be cautious.

[@alpineflauge909]

sweet

[@Lmalarki]

How come no weeds?

[@CurtsCactus]

Without knowing anything else. My guess is poor soil. Not enough nutients, and not enough biodiversity within the soil. Also shows with the amount of growth they Have in one season you can each seasons growth and its not much. But fantastic collection regardless.