okra plants getting sheared off

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
tsmass Hopkinton, MA Jun 29, 2009

The okra plants in my garden are getting sheared off one at a time, usually at night. The plants are currently 3 inches high or so (not a lot of sunshine so far in Boston this year), and often the plants will be cut an inch or two up the stem, as if with scissors. The leaves are lying uneaten on the ground next to the cut stem.

I've been losing 1 or 2 plants a week, but can't figure out what would cut the stem, but not eat the leaves. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Post #6755777
Quote
Jim41 Delhi, LA Jul 01, 2009

Never lost okra like that but have lost tomatos. Sounds like a cutworm to me. Next time one is cut off dig down around the stem and see if you can't fine the critter. You might try putting aluminum foil around the botto inch of the plants to stop further loss. Didn't know you folks in Boston area liked okra. Sound like a southern transplant.

Post #6763702
Quote
stephanietx Fort Worth, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 01, 2009

Could be cutworms. Have you seen any small black worms just under the surface of your plants?

Post #6764724
Quote
tsmass Hopkinton, MA Jul 10, 2009

Sorry so long to reply, but have been out of town. Haven't seen any worms around the plants, but I suspect some sort of larger animal. I put up some chicken wire around the garden, and haven't had a problem since.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Post #6803963
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP