Curled up chard leaves

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by mmesford, May 15, 2016.

  1. mmesford

    mmesford Member

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    Our chard overwintered nicely and is growing well. But it has lots of curled leaves that looks like some kind of infestation. We haven't been able to see any culprits. Can anyone suggest anything to look for?

    chard.jpe
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 16, 2016
  2. Sundrop

    Sundrop Well-Known Member

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    Kootenays, BC, Canada
    Have you tried to uncurl the leaves to see what is inside? My be with a magnifying glass?
     
  3. mmesford

    mmesford Member

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    There's not a lot to see on most. This one has a thready, powdery coating on the veins. Another has some spit bubbles and small black specs. But no critters.

    Chardpowder.jpe
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 17, 2016
  4. Sundrop

    Sundrop Well-Known Member

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    Doesn't look normal. Could be a result of the damage done by spit bugs, but I am not sure.

    Regardless of what it is, to limit the spread of the disease I would pick up the affected leaves, put them in a cooking pot, cook them for about 15 min. to make sure that the fungi, bacteria, or whatever it is is killed, and pour the soup on the compost pile.

    Under no circumstances I would put on my compost fresh diseased leaves.
     

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