Paul Robeson diseased but no others (!?)

[terpodion]

I have 21 heirlooms growing. All are healthy. Except; Paul Robeson. I have two of these plants in different locations. One full sun, the other gets afternoon shade. Both are in raised beds without local soil - "virgin soil" mixed according to Mel Bartholomew's methods. I used my own compost in addition to Coast of Maine lobster compost and Espoma Tomato Tone.

The plants have simply wilted. There is no yellowing and there are no blemishes on the leaves. The larger of the two plants have a few healthy branches. The smaller is completely affected. I treated with Actinovate and Bonide copper sulfate to no avail.

I find it strange that only this variety is affected.

[seaeagle]

It sounds like the seeds were infected.I would throw those seeds away.

[b54red]

It sounds like it could be some type of wilt like bacterial wilt or possibly one of the others. They can strike without warning and take down a beautiful healthy plant in a few days. I lose plants to it nearly every year and it always takes down some of the best looking ones that appear to be perfectly healthy.

Bill

[Bart]

I have the same problem with my Paul Robeson's (also my Green Zebras). I've been spraying with Daconil and I *think* it helps slow things down, but not by much. My Green Zebra is completely gone and my PRs are about 80% gone (dried up and crispy).

I'd love to find a solution as PRs are my favorite of all time ;-(

[seaeagle]

Could it be to much fertilizer?I have 2 Paul Robeson plants and when I applied fish emulsion to all of my plants equally, one of the PR did wilt.I covered it for about a week and eventually it did recover.

Maybe PR doesn't like a lot of fertilizer.Just a thought.I had no further problems with Paul Robeson plants.They are healthy and remain healthy.My problem is the fruit doesn't ripen well in my micro-climate until September.

And agree they are right up there at or near the top as far as taste.