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Wood River, Nebraska

The new leaves on the ends of the mains are gray, dry and brittle. In an effort to prevent downy mildew I have been watering with drip irrigation only. Every thing outside of the nine foot diameter around the plant has a dust mulch. I have sprayed a fungicide but have been careful not to spray the last 18-24". Do you have any idea what is causing this?
dave=stewee

6/28/2001 11:37:12 PM

Commack, NY

how is the sun by you? has it been strong lately? it could be leaf burn. i'm getting it big time where i am. the newer leaves are more susceptible. try shading them during the heat of the day.if you could get a pic of it, it might be helpful also.

scott

6/29/2001 12:21:56 AM

Wood River, Nebraska

Thanks if it continues I'll post a pic. The sun is intense and hot and on further inspection it is only on the south side of the plants.

6/29/2001 3:15:52 PM

Long Island,New York

Stewee...I'll go with Scotts diagnosis..a likely culpret. Try a resin/folding chair over the top of the tips and first full leaf off the tip..have to move chair each day. Drip is good, but it has its limitations : roots wont grow outward from the plant if soil is too dry so you should water around the plant too. Also--wet the area around the tips good..dry soil is generally lighter in color than wet soil and reflects light giving a double dose of sunburn to the leaves. Drip is good, but you need to wet the entire area to prevent reflected sun. Bright colored mulches can also reflect to the point of being a problem......Glenn

6/29/2001 4:09:10 PM

Wood River, Nebraska

Thanks Glen and Farmer Scott, I've set up a sprinkler to run for 20min at 10am and 2pm if the temps are in excess of 85 degrees. The growth overall for all 4 plants is better.
dave=stewee

7/2/2001 3:09:43 PM