Hi all, Late this summer I lost a Seiryu (2nd year in ground) to what looked like classic verticillium. When I went to dig it out, I was surprised to find a very large and healthy looking root system. It was well out of the planting hole and took a bit of digging to get out. Question is, does vericillium effect root growth also, or just the above ground vascular system? The plant was very definitely dead, with orange and red necrotic fungus growing around the graft area. I wonder if I missed diagnosed... -E
Depending on the type of verticillium and secondary or additional pathogens involved the root syestem can and will live on for a time after the top growth has died out. You could very well be correct that it was verticillium that killed your plant--it is just what type or form and what else was involved that may be the mystery. Cheers.
Thanks Galt. Sadly I was aware this wasn't a particularly healthy plant when I received it, but I had hoped I'd be able to make a go of it. Still, perhaps it is safe to conclude from the health of the root mass that the soil culture itself was not at fault? (Or is that ever a safe assumption <g>). Whatever, the replacement looks healthier and is in place. Now if we can just get a break from the gales... -E
