Re: CULT: Iris Leaf Spot

Thanks Foley,


>There are several online information pages regarding iris leaf spot. Go to
www.google.com , then click on advanced search. In the exact phrase box, key
in iris leaf spot, then click the search key.

I read them all.  Each blurb says to clean up old foliage in the fall and
give good air circulation.  I do the former always except on one bed of old
grandmother irises.  The spacing is okay, but not always optimum after the
clumps have grown a year or two.  So how did the fungus arrive, I wonder?
The grandmother irises were not affected, wouldn't you know.  They are still
a
mess at the moment, but not with leaf spot damage.  My own theory is that
the fungus also lives on other plant debris.  Under our windy conditions
here, some of that debris is constantly being rearranged and as often as not
the iris clumps act as debris catchers.  It is a constant gathering it to
keep the beds free of what is blown in.  Mainly, during fall and winter, it
is oak leaves.  There is a pasture full of these just beyond the barb wire
fence surrounding the yard and fall, winter, spring or summer,
some are blowing in from time to time, getting trapped by the irises from
moving onward.  A good wind, followed by rain and warm conditions on top of
debris harboring the fungus is my best guess.  But part of my problem was
complacency.  Generally our windy weather is very low on humidity and when
there is evidence of leaf spot starting, it usually doesn't get the chance
to develop into much of a problem.  Not this year and I failed to act fast
enough, so it got out of hand and stayed out of hand.  Experience is
purported to be a good teacher.  Too bad it's often bad experience teaching
the lesson.

Donald Eaves
donald@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7, USA



 

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