I was so proud of the 13 seedlings I got from a batch of seeds sown 2 months ago. They were doing so well, then yesterday---I noticed leaves are beginning to curl and seem stunted on several plants. They are in a community tray . Does anyone have any idea what is causing this damage?
This message was edited Jul 24, 2006 8:04 PM
A closer view of the damage.
Looks like the start of broad mites to me. Are the curled leaves brittle and thick? These mites attack the new tender growth first.
I love Neem for Broad mites but others prefer other things.
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/626741/
Calcium deficiency can cause such leaves too but I doubt that is it.
This is how my seedlings looked with them.
Lane, I'm afraid Kell is right about the broad mites. That's what mine started looking like and now I am fighting a massive infestation of them. If you have them on one and they were within "spittin' distance" of each other, then odds are you have the buggers colonizing all of your seedlings. If I had it to do over again, I would begin an aggressive program of topical and systemic treatment at the first sign. That would be either Avid or Forbid if I could afford them, and in lieu of that Neem and Orthenex, which is what I am using now. I wish you luck. I've lost one treasured seedling to them already.
Barb
You are so right, Barb. When I see the first sign, I treat all the brugs around it. At least the the top new growth even if they show no signs. I think by the time they show signs, the mites have really multiplied.
Barb, can't you find some one to share some Forbid with you? I haven't looked that one up, but I think it is new so may be more effective than Avid which is being overused so getting less effective in some places. I really feel your pain. I hate them!
If you get any cuttings from anyone, I would treat them as soon as they come for they could carry them in and the sender would be totally unaware.
This message was edited Aug 29, 2006 11:20 PM
