TOPIC: Tops dieing back...help

What you see in the pics is basically it. The one on the table was just flopped right over on the ground. Although the leaves were green. The one in the 2nd pic is brownish in color, but has not fallen over. They always have gotten chewed by something or other each year.

classicfur wrote:

BCastle

I agree with you in that it's probably not damping off. But I think where Maya lives has probably gotten the same weather we have had up here in Maine. Rain off and on over the past three weeks and cooler temps in the 60's coming out of canada.

In Maine we have'nt had more than about three dry days in a row, then we get more rain. So what disease would cause that in moist cool weather?

classicfur

Yes we've been getting that weather too. I'm down low here in a valley, as warm as you can get for Vt.

Maya,
Do you happen to have any Streptomycin Sulfate on hand for Fire Blight? If you do, mix a small amount with water and spray the ground in the area where you are having problems. If you don't want to get any on the plants, use a small thin board or cardbord to place between your spray and the plant. That is a quick fix.
Hugh

No I don't have any hugh, no fire blight here, knock on wood! I'll see if I can get some from a friend, the stuff is expensive!

If this is some sort of disease/blight What are the odds of this spreading? Should I get rid of diseased plants? That's what I would do with apples.

Maya,
I just read back over the entire thread and I've just about changed my mind as to what may be the cause. I do believe it is soil born,but with any of these pathogens you should be seeing some tale-tale signs. They just don't seem to be there. The Streptomycin would knock down most of those diseases, but it would not be a cure all. I'm just not sure what would knock the plant down and still be able to come back next year other than Alternaria. I would suggest cutting one of the diseased roots into and describe what it looks like. That can reveal some things that are not visible to the outside of the plant. I certainly would dispose of any plants that look diseased after some assessment and certainly not get them around any of my beds.

In looking at your small plants I see some heart shaped holes that suggest slugs or small snails. There is also some Flea Beetle damage. I've got some of that myself.

Hugh

Looking again, I still can't see any sign of folier disease at all. But, stunted-looking roots with aborted feeders, and the wilt this time of year are pretty typical of cylindrocarpon.

I'd bet a dollar on it.

I think I might start with something like Aliette or Ridomil which are systemics. Aliette will have some curative properties if you have phytophthora.

Maya,
The only problem I see from the pics is that your plants are getting the hell eat of em. I would get a bit pale myself if I had that many holes in me lol. As you know, there are various controls for insects, one in particular is systemic and works awesomely. The insect damage can of course allow an easy entry point for disease but I dont think that is the problem. One thing though, It is super easy for them to stay too wet if \"potting\" type soil has been used in her garden. Good luck with em bud

Hillhopper

Damping off or tip over hits the plant stalk at ground level where the stem meets the ground.
So I am not sure what you have going on without being there. The plant is lime green instead of deep green. Could be a number of things.
Lstt

Well thanks guys. I'm still not sure. I took out bad plants and gave them a very quick fine mist of Imidan(pesticide) and Sovran(fungiside), as I was spraying my apple trees this morning.

These plants are just for fun to see what would happen and to watch growth regularly to learn more.

Got to agree with Brad, cylindrocarpon. The cause is the garden soil, bet it was fertilized in the past with a fertilizer containing nitrogen, this stuff is sure to cause cylindro. The snails and slugs are munching the holes, they can be small this time of the year.
Best bet ... put them in a duff rich maple forest soil.

Guy