Re: Leaf Stem Rot
Dave
Just found the same problem {or similar, could never be the same unless we lived
next door!}
On my monster 1061x1006{took up 2,000 sq./ft by July 3rd} I noticed that one of
the oldest leaves died right at the base. It didn't dry up like I expected. A day
later I noticed a wet rotting like infection spreading from where the leaf
had been attached. I started surgically removing any dead and fungus laden
material and 5 or 6 Strawberry
borers came running out! They are very small black beetles that work in groups
when the find a food supply.
I carefully removed all the dead portions of the stem and brushed on powdered
sulfur made into a thick paste
with some water. It seemed to work and seems to be healing with no signs of
spreading. I don't think the borers
will be back either with all that sulfur around.
I recommend removing any dead leaves at the base and applying an anti fungal to
prevent it from starting.
You may also have a general fungus problem that occasional spraying with
something like ISOTOX might
help. In Don Langevin's book II, he recommends applying it every two weeks.
Ray
GreatFoxRed@aol.com wrote:
> I have a question for the Group,
> My plants do quite well every year till about this time. Currently, my
> largest AG is 86" in circumference. Saturday will be my 30 day mark. But,
> now my annual decline is beginning. Something is happening at the base of the
> leaf stems at ground zero, and if it is the same as last year it will spread
> further out as time progresses.
> What is happening is the base of the stem at ground level seems to rot and
> the leaf and stem fall over. The leaf is a nice green color and there
> doesn't seem to be any sign of a borer. Not ruling them out completely,
> however. The vines are buried and so is partially the base of the stem. Is
> this a fungus or just a sign of old age? Or could there be a borer affecting
> the vine at the point? I live in CT and we haven't had the drought and
> humidity problems as last year, but I am getting the same problem.
> I suspect it is a fungus or the use of water which has come through a water
> softener.
> Any input would be appreciated by both my plants and I.
>
> Thanks for the help
> Dave P
> Durham CT
>
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