@punkdoc - as leafy gall is caused by a bacterium, a biocide is a possible solution to the problem. Yes, I agree with you. It might destroy the good organisms but note my comment previously made; to dig in some well-rotted manure/compost afterwards in order to restore the soil’s flora and fauna.
@jaimelebird - if you prefer to take the non-chemical approach, either dig out your soil and dispose of appropriately or leave the area fallow for three years. The bacteria causing leafy gall in dahlias can also affect other plants and three years is considered to be the required period for it to go away.
I seemed to have this on one of my tubers last year. When I stored them I just broke off the bits and pieces easily enough and there was never any adverse effects to the plant during the season. Indeed, the plant was absolutely vigorous (Totally Tangerine).
I seemed to have this on one of my tubers last year. When I stored them I just broke off the bits and pieces easily enough and there was never any adverse effects to the plant during the season. Indeed, the plant was absolutely vigorous (Totally Tangerine).
Is any issue only apparent the following season?
I don’t know but interested to hear what others say.
Well...I've had a few tubers showing those "lumps" over the last few years and didn't know what it was. I grew the affected tubers in my usual way ie potted up March under frost protection and then garden planted in May. Plants grew normally. I do a lot of splitting of tubers so always have plenty so I scrapped a few lumpiness. I can't say they problem was any worse in year two or three. In this years stored tubers put away November I don't recall seeing any lumpy ones. I'd never but bleach on my soil.
Lack of vigour. Fewer/poorer quality flowers. Detrimental impact on root or tuber formation. Many weak/thin stems. Shorter growing plants. Easily spreadable to other commonly grown herbaceous perennials such as heuchera, the aster family, etc. Easily transmitted through taking cuttings and splitting plants - offspring will also be affected. Plants may be affected before symptoms become evident.
There is no cure for leafy gall but mitigating measures can be taken. Each to their own in their personal tolerance to the ‘problem’.
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When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
@jaimelebird - if you prefer to take the non-chemical approach, either dig out your soil and dispose of appropriately or leave the area fallow for three years. The bacteria causing leafy gall in dahlias can also affect other plants and three years is considered to be the required period for it to go away.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
I seemed to have this on one of my tubers last year. When I stored them I just broke off the bits and pieces easily enough and there was never any adverse effects to the plant during the season. Indeed, the plant was absolutely vigorous (Totally Tangerine).
Is any issue only apparent the following season?
Lack of vigour.
Fewer/poorer quality flowers.
Detrimental impact on root or tuber formation.
Many weak/thin stems.
Shorter growing plants.
Easily spreadable to other commonly grown herbaceous perennials such as heuchera, the aster family, etc.
Easily transmitted through taking cuttings and splitting plants - offspring will also be affected.
Plants may be affected before symptoms become evident.
There is no cure for leafy gall but mitigating measures can be taken. Each to their own in their personal tolerance to the ‘problem’.
Happy growing.