Re: Report of Springtime in the South (U.S.)

J. Michael, Celia or Ben Storey wrote:
> 
>  I already have my
> first case of soft rot, one rhizome of NIGHT AFFAIR which I let be covered
> by two big oak leaves. The rhizome's growing vigorously from pips on both
> sides even though the main fan rotted away. Tell me, pros, if I handled
> this prudently? I cut away the bad part without digging the plant and
> sprinkled the whole rhizome with Ajax cleanser with Bleach.
> 
> Should I have dug up the plant?
> 
> Today we're getting a steady rain. Should I sprinkle on more cleanser when
> it quits?
> 
Celia -- I didn't see an answer to your question, so, though I'm not a
pro, here's what I think: You did well to leave the rhizome in the
ground. No need to deal it a setback  by digging it. I've used
full-strength bleach in such situations, but these days use about a 25%
solution. The effect of the stuff is immediate, so you don't have to do
it again if it rains later. The best thing for the cut area, however, is
sunlight. If you can make the cut at an angle that opens it to the sun,
fine. Also, for ease of application, I put the solution in an empty
Windex bottle and spray it on the cut. Gives you better control than
pouring.

Griff Crump, near Mount Vernon, VA  jgcrump@erols.com
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