|
|
Post by farbjorn on May 31, 2007 5:25:52 GMT
In a number of my plants, I find that part of the rhizome has rotted. I cut out the bad material and replant, but would like to know if there is a chemical solution to this problem or is it cultural. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aidan on May 31, 2007 10:10:33 GMT
Rot in the rhizome is usually attributed to Botrytis cinerea and once this fungus establishes itself it will very quickly kill plants. You have taken the correct course of action by removing infected areas, but must cut well back into healthy tissue to ensure removal of all infected areas.
Treatment with a fungicide is a good idea once 'surgery' is complete. Whether or not there are effective curative fungicides available depends upon where you live (and you have omitted that information from your forum profile). Here in the UK, thanks to government legislation all such products have been withdrawn.
|
|
|
|
Post by Forbes on Jun 20, 2007 5:11:45 GMT
I have isolated a _Fusarium_ species from a diseased _Sarracenia rubra subsp. alabamensis_ rhizome. Only the very end of the rhizome (well past any roots) appeared healthy while most roots appeared normal.
Fusarium is cited in the literature as being vectored by springtails and fungus gnats which, rather unfortunately, grow well in the wet, warm environs Sarracenia also prefer. If this Fusarium is spread in CP collections in this manner (and you also have it), control might be accomplished by applying top dressings that discourage invertebrate procreation. Perhaps coarse sand would work? Regardless, this would only prevent infection of 'clean' plants.
Incidentally, plant pathologists tend to look upon _Botrytis_ as a saprophyte until proven otherwise. It can easily enter cultures on improperly sterilized material or be found in plants where a different pathogen is actually responsible for decline.
|
|
|
|
Post by pinglover on Jun 24, 2007 19:55:37 GMT
What do you believe is the vector of the Fusarium you found? Would you consider a biological control?
|
|
|
|
Post by Aidan on Jun 25, 2007 0:58:54 GMT
Incidentally, plant pathologists tend to look upon _Botrytis_ as a saprophyte until proven otherwise. It is well documented that Botrytis usually (always?) gains a foothold in dead tissue before rapidly moving on to live areas. I have seen it happen on numerous occasions. With Sarracenia, a dead petal dropping onto a rhizome may be enough to ultimately cause the death of a plant. Hence the endless reminders to growers to maintain hygiene and remove dead tissue. |
|
|
|
Post by pitcherfreak on Jun 28, 2007 5:35:21 GMT
Apparently some of the trichoderma species have some effect on Fusarium but in lillies good hygene and often preseason fungicide dips work well. In Lisianthus I've definitly seen botrytis killing plants by the dozens. Incidentally they get Fusarium badly too maybe there's a link. Like Aidan was saying in lisianthus it usually starts on dead tissue and spreads to healthy tissue when innoculum level builds up
|
|
