Monday, May 11, 2009

Why are my cucumber plants and collards plants wilting and turning white?

We have had plenty of rain, we fertilized when we planted them, they were about 3-4 inches high when planted about 2 weeks ago. Garden gets sun all day. What could be the problem? All other plants in the garden seem to be doing fine.

Why are my cucumber plants and collards plants wilting and turning white?
Have you checked under the leaves to see if something is munching on them? That could definitely be the situation. There is specifically a cucumber beetle yellow-green in color and 1/5 inch long. The striped cucumber beetle has three black stripes running the length of its back while the spotted has 12 black spots on its back. Both damage foliage as they feed, but more importantly, they carry the organism that causes bacterial wilt and spread the disease to healthy plants as they feed. This disease plugs the water-conducting vessels of the plant, eventually resulting in plant death. As far as collards, they are extremely susceptible to aphids and cabbage loopers but are fairly resistant to most diseases. I work at a nursery and my suggestion is to get the ready to use bottle of Neem oil. It'll keep the bad bugs away from your plants. We have a huge problem with Japanese beetles here and they HATE Neem oil. It is made from organic ingredients so you can actually eat the vegetable 24 hours after spraying. You must spray on top and under the leaves to make it effective. Another thing I've heard a lot of people doing this year is planting some marigolds in with their vegetables and herbs. Ladybugs like the smell of marigolds and they eat the aphids. Those are my suggestions. I wish you luck. It may be too late for your plants this year, but at least you'll know what to do for next year.
Reply:are the leaves themselves turning white or are they coated white.


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