Disease - Bud Rot on Young Palms

[cobra2326]

So, I'm still fighting what appears to be pythium bud rot in my palms. So far I've lost about 50% of my young palms to this disease. I recall a thread last year where someone posted something similar.

Basically, the tips of all leaves on the plant will start to brown, and within days (sometimes faster), the bud near the base of the palm will be wet and rotten. The leaves almost always get a pale look to them when this happens. I use subdue regularly but it only appears to help temporarily.

Do any of you experience the same issues? If so, can you offer advice?

[Mark Heath]

Jon,

Subdue is a fantastic preventative for bud rot (Phytophthora). But, you mentioned that you use it regularly. How regular? More than twice a year and you'll kill your palms, too much copper, Phytotoxicity ( i think i spelled it correctly)I use Subdue but only once a year right before the rainy season begins in June. You might be over-watering as well, that will induce Bud rot! Also, be sure and use a very well draining potting mix, seedlings are week and so are their roots!

I used to use half perlite/ half peat moss to sow my seeds in, but i had the same problem as you and now i sow them in a well draining mix and all is well!

Good luck!

[cobra2326]

What do you use for your well draining mix?

[cobra2326]

Also, I wasn't aware that subdue had copper in it? The subdue II I am using contains the active ingredient Metaxyl:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metaxyl.png

[Mark Heath]

Also, I wasn't aware that subdue had copper in it? The subdue II I am using contains the active ingredient Metaxyl:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metaxyl.png

I had only assumed that it did!! Well, you know what happens when you assume!!! I wish i could remember the source

of the information about over-using Subdue. I'll try and remember the source. But i do know that it is never a good idea to over-use any type of fungicide.

I now buy my potting mix in bulk at a large landscape supply source. It has wood chips, sand, peat moss and a few other

things that are unidentifiable. In turn you have to water a little more, but i don't have the problem that you seem to be having anymore!

I pull up in my pickup truck and buy a yard of it for $35. When i need more than two yards, i take my dumptruck! It's so much cheaper than buying bags of the potting mix.

Check your yellow pages for your nearest landscape supply place and visit them and check it out, if you like what you see, then buy it! I think you'll be happy w/ the results!

I am a grower by trade and have learned through trial and error!!

Hopefully there is a landscape supply place near you!

[kahili]

Mark, I don't think that Subdue contains copper, but it is true that plants can have a phytotoxicity reaction to over using Subdue. You should always follow the label directions. Subdue lasts at least 30 days, so definitely don't use more than that, and I would be nervous about applying it 3 months in a row-because of the phytotoxicity and also because some strains of a fungus can build up a resistence to it. Its always good to alternate between at least two different funigicides that both have the fungus that you are treating on their label.

Jon, are you positive that you have pythium? If so, I would give Truban a shot. It is less expensive to buy than Subdue, although you do use more in a treatment than Subdue, but not much. It reacts differently than Subdue-it deals with the fungus in the soil as opposed to a systemic like Subdue or Aliette.

[Kris]

Due to recent rains here in south india i have my med fan particially damaged to fungus infection..and i have tried all the methods usaully prescribed by our members,i must say nothing really works really when its raining continously..

here is a still of that palm..

...

[Kris]

..

by the way the rest of the clumps looks fine and healthy as ever,but the shape looks wierd and shabby now !

Kris

[edric]

I start hundreds of seedlings a year, I also grow roses, so I've always used Rosepride, formerly Funginex by ortho, I always ad a yery small amount when I spray, it's Triforine, they use it on fruits and vegetables, I buy a very light mix at Wal-mart called Expert Gardener, it's about 8.00 for a 2 cubic ft. bag, that's three quarters of a yard, and then I add perlite, what ever you do don't use miracle Gro, Moisture control, or any of their soil, for that matter, it contains to much peat humus, it will surely kill your palm seedlings, if they are a variety that is known to be susceptible to fungi, Ed