PBFs


Re Mike's comment on purple-based leaf bases:


"The pigmentation occurs at the point of maximum pathogen attack -- the leaf
fan--rhizome junction.

Rapid plant growth induces tears in the leaf base where it joins the
rhizome. The tears provide an entry point for pathogens carried in by rain
induced soil splash. These tears occur in the purple pigment zone. The
pigmentation reduces the viability or eliminates the pathogens.

Rot, both fungal and bacterial is a less frequent occurrence in iris
cultivars "


I think you may definitely be on to something here.  I have often noticed when 
digging and cleaning rhizomes that those with the purple bases seem to be 
harder and denser, but I never connected it to surviveability.  But then, I 
have so little bacterial or fungal rot in my garden (call it luck) that 
perhaps there has been no obvious advantage, so I didn't notice.  

Barb, who may go check for PBFs sometime after the snow melts (or 
sublimes--whatever).



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