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San Diego

I'm stumped. Have two plants, one has 4 to 10 small holes in each leaf, the other has none. There are 6 true leaves on the plant with holes and it looks green, vigorous, and healthy. Holes the size of eraser tip. Every knew leaf develops these small holes. It is not done by an insect, bug, slug, snail etc. I've never had this before in 3 years growing. The only difference between my 2 plants, the soil. I have no option but to believe my soil is doing this. My soil was ammenede last fall, 1 yard manure and compost (bagged), 1.1 lb soil sulfer, 4 lbs gypsom, 2 lbs 16-16-16, all in 100sq ft. I ammended this spring too after my soil report. .5 lb soil sulfer, 2 lbs gypsom, 1.5 lbs ironite, 1 lb kelp meal. Can I have too much of something in my soil causing this? A disease? I have no idea. My other plant, 10 ft away, soil was not ammended, no holes. Any thoughts? Thanks Jim

5/28/2003 5:30:18 PM

[email protected]

I'm wondering if heat or some other environmental factor doesn't cause this. I saw a couple holes on our 845 Nesbitt that exhibited no chewing insects at all. The plant had been exposed to 105* temps within a few days of being brought out into the greenhouse. The others were in the minigreenhouse & were vented properly on that day.

There are some leaf spot fungus' that cause the center of the infected areas to "fall out". But it's early for these (around here at least).

I'd still be monitoring carefully for insects. Slugs caused some damage here just since the wife's Dahlias starting coming up. Closer examination revealed slime trails coming right up to the mini greenhouses & very young slugs ( < 1/2" long) hiding under the edges where they meet the ground.
So while they made me late for an appointment yesterday, I tossed a few handfuls of slug killer out before leaving here.

I'd love to know the real answer since this seems to be a widespread issue.

Steve

5/29/2003 5:47:21 AM

Usa

I have been finding slugs and all kind of little critters here.

5/29/2003 9:51:11 AM

Montoursville, PA

You did not have to be late for you appointment. They are night feeders.

5/29/2003 9:57:43 AM