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Jefferson, Ohio

I moved to a new patch two years ago. Last season (in new ground) all fruit on 4 plants aborted about this same time (aug 1) at 200plus pounds. I got soil tested and amended significantly. I tiled (for drainage) and added several yards mushroom compost. I cover cropped all winter. Now, HERE WE GO AGAIN! two plants aborted last week over 100-200lbs. What would you look at.. any guesses what to consider. Jim R p.s. the Plants are bigger and healthier than I've ever grown ! So, we can grow lettuce the problem is the fruit.

8/3/2009 12:44:53 PM

Pa

Sounds like soil disease not the fruit aborting. I have had the same problem the past two years. I get to mid July, around 80 inches circumference and they stop. I had a test last year and I had pythium, rhizoctonia and very high levels of Fusarium, all soil fungi. I moved patches and even used fungicides this year but lost everything again. I may try rootshield and granular clearys next year. Send your roots/ soil to get tested for disease. You have to know what you are fighting.

8/5/2009 10:02:01 PM

Fresno, CA

Hey titanic, where do you get your roots/soil tested for disease?

8/5/2009 10:09:09 PM

Pa

Last year I paid to have it done at Ribero Tree Evaluations, in Washington state. I heard DR. Ribero speak in person and he knows his stuff. It wasn't cheap but he does a good job and gives you a real nice report on your soil and roots with recommendations. I can get you his contact info if you want or look it up online. This year I had it done through my local agricultural extension office for my county. It was free but I am waiting for the results so I'm not sure if I'll get a full report or what.

8/6/2009 9:31:11 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We've had several aborts this year. None due to disease. Ours simply grew too fast.

Try a tissue analysis. After all the amendments your plants might be flying too high.

8/7/2009 12:09:53 PM

Jefferson, Ohio

thanks for the ideas...I'm just "stumped" because the plants look so healthy. #3. out 4 seems to have completely stopped now, as well. Do soil pathogens usually affect the green leaf tissue or could it be either .?

8/8/2009 7:22:05 PM