Re: fungus/rot
- Subject: Re: fungus/rot
- From: n*@charter.net
- Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2001 09:27:15 -0000
--- In iris-talk@y..., melrossmt@y... wrote:
"some of them had a black fungus stuff on them. It looked very "brain
like", or like a morrel mushroom"
Welcome to Iris Talk, Mel! There are lots of sites with information
about irises on the web. A good starting point is the American Iris
Society site at www.irises.org . The "iris links" page is a gold mine.
The fungus you describe sounds like Botrytis, the bane of growing
bearded iris in the Intermountain area. You won't have borers, but
this problem will take its place.
Botrytis infection starts in the fall and progresses underground
during near-freezing weather. Your best protection is to be sure to
lightly mulch the rhizomes to protect them from frequent freeze and
thaw. You will have other advice which will disagree with that--what
I would suggest is experiment! Find out what works for you.
With Botrytis the most important thing is sanitation. Clean out the
infected rhizomes and the inch or two of surrounding soil and either
burn it or bag it, sending the infected residue to landfill heaven.
You may be able to find help from a systemic fungicide, but when to
apply for Botrytis is a question.
Cheryl Meyer is one of the most experienced irisarians in your area.
She posts to Iris Talk from time to time and is someone you will
enjoy getting to know. There is an iris show in Missoula too. The
American Iris Society Region Eleven covers your area, by the way.
Best to you in your interest in irises.
Neil Mogensen formerly from SW Idaho, now in USDA Zone 7a, western NC
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