Seedling Problem

fred · March 22, 2007

I have a problem with my seedlings.
Since they were young they kept losing leaves.
The top leaves seem to have a slight unusual curl to them and the leaves below the top two branches dry up and fall off.
This is happening to Prudens Purple, Sudduth's Pink Brandywine, Dr. Carolyn Pink, and Big Beef that are in Pro Mix and under fluorescent lights.
At this point they are about six weeks old.
Can anyone identfy what my problem is and suggest a way to proceed.
I am holding back planting them so that if it is contageous I won't infect my soil.
I took pictures today and could email them to anyone who thinks they can solve the problem.
Please reply because it's planting time.

Fredca
Cazn.9.5

Alberta · March 22, 2007

Fred,
Look closely at the leaves and see if you see any spider mites on the leaves or perhaps even small white webs. Use a magifying glass if needed, because mites are tiny. If you need more seeds of Dr.Carolyn pink let me know ,I have some I can share.
Alberta

fred · March 23, 2007

I see no sign of mites.
Thank you but I do have additional Dr. Carolyn Pink seeds.
I have started some more Prudens Purple from the same save and I see the peculiar twist to the first true leaves.
I have started another set of P.P. from an earlier save and hope that the problem is with the originally used P.P. save.
Pictures are available if some one thinks that they would help to identify the problem.

Fred

johno · March 23, 2007

Could it be a watering issue?

fred · March 23, 2007

They are being watered from the bottom with aged tap water. They only get watered when the surface is dry. I have been watering like this for many years with no problems.

**carolyn137** · March 24, 2007

Fred, if all of those different varieties are doing the wsame thing I can't see it as being a seedborne infection and think it must be something environmental. You've grown seedlings for many years. What, if anything, did you do differently this year?

fred · March 24, 2007

Carolyn,
I can't think of anything different. However to add fuel to the fire I replanted from the same P.P. seed in another container and kept them in a south facing window in the house. They are showing the same peculiar leaf twist.
I planted more P.P. from an older save and have them in the window. The cotillions look all right now but I will be able to tell more when they get their first true leaves.
In the mean time the original plantings are going to the city dump and all tools are to be sterilized.
Thanks for your reply.
Fred

March 22, 2007	#1
fred Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: socal zn.9.5 Posts: 4	Seedling Problem I have a problem with my seedlings. Since they were young they kept losing leaves. The top leaves seem to have a slight unusual curl to them and the leaves below the top two branches dry up and fall off. This is happening to Prudens Purple, Sudduth's Pink Brandywine, Dr. Carolyn Pink, and Big Beef that are in Pro Mix and under fluorescent lights. At this point they are about six weeks old. Can anyone identfy what my problem is and suggest a way to proceed. I am holding back planting them so that if it is contageous I won't infect my soil. I took pictures today and could email them to anyone who thinks they can solve the problem. Please reply because it's planting time. Fredca Cazn.9.5 __________________ fredca Last edited by fred; March 22, 2007 at 01:03 AM.

March 23, 2007	#3
fred Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: socal zn.9.5 Posts: 4	seedling problem I see no sign of mites. Thank you but I do have additional Dr. Carolyn Pink seeds. I have started some more Prudens Purple from the same save and I see the peculiar twist to the first true leaves. I have started another set of P.P. from an earlier save and hope that the problem is with the originally used P.P. save. Pictures are available if some one thinks that they would help to identify the problem. Fred __________________ fredca

March 23, 2007	#5
fred Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: socal zn.9.5 Posts: 4	They are being watered from the bottom with aged tap water. They only get watered when the surface is dry. I have been watering like this for many years with no problems. __________________ fredca

March 24, 2007	#6
carolyn137 Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Upstate NY, zone 4b/5a Posts: 21,169	Fred, if all of those different varieties are doing the wsame thing I can't see it as being a seedborne infection and think it must be something environmental. You've grown seedlings for many years. What, if anything, did you do differently this year? __________________ Carolyn

March 24, 2007	#7
fred Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: socal zn.9.5 Posts: 4	Carolyn, I can't think of anything different. However to add fuel to the fire I replanted from the same P.P. seed in another container and kept them in a south facing window in the house. They are showing the same peculiar leaf twist. I planted more P.P. from an older save and have them in the window. The cotillions look all right now but I will be able to tell more when they get their first true leaves. In the mean time the original plantings are going to the city dump and all tools are to be sterilized. Thanks for your reply. Fred __________________ fredca

March 22, 2007	#2
Alberta Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mastic, NY Posts: 212	Fred, Look closely at the leaves and see if you see any spider mites on the leaves or perhaps even small white webs. Use a magifying glass if needed, because mites are tiny. If you need more seeds of Dr.Carolyn pink let me know ,I have some I can share. Alberta

March 23, 2007	#4
johno Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arkansas zone 6b Posts: 441	Could it be a watering issue?