Galanthus March 2008

[Martin Baxendale]

They could look virused, but they don't have to be it.
 Because like you said Martin, the cold weather cause's a certain condition, that plant's are unable to obtain enough nutrient's from the soil they need for the fotosynthese.
 Especcially in Irisses this is a problem, when the weather is rather cold for spring, they all look green with yellow striping.

But in that case, the yellow striping would happen in the early cold weather and disappear in the later warm weather. With snowdrops, the virus-like yellow striping happens more in the later part of the season when the weather is warmer (and when viruses are more active).

[KentGardener]

Sorry Guys

I am convinced the plants are virused.  My soil structure is, I believe, very good and has new vermicompost added from my worm farm every year.

Unfortunately this year I know from a very bad experience that virus can and DOES spread easily between plants.  My problem started 4 years ago with 50 cheap 'Rip van Winkle' bulbs from Holland.  These showed sign of virus straight away.  Stupidly I didn't remove them as I didn't realise that it could spread and I have kept growing them.  This year I have had to remove a hundred 'tete a tete', 3 other clumps of various narcissus, and at the latest count over 20 clumps of Galanthus.

I really do think anyone who tries to convince themselves that virus is not really a problem should seriously reconsider such a destructive idea.  My guess is that I haven't seen the last of the virus - this year I have removed all bulbs that showed any sign of the problem - but think I shall have to keep to this strict removal policy for at least the next 2 or 3 years before I can be sure of a virus free collection once again.

John

[Gerard Oud]

That's true, in the early cold weather the soil temperature is that low for absorbing Magnesia and Kalium and that causes the yellow/green striping. During March when the soiltemperature is rising it should dissappear, if not there is a problem.
Its very interesting to measure also the soiltemperature sometime's, it shows you how cold the bulbs must be during the growingseason.
Problem's with virus overdrawl are possible in april when small insect's are becoming active, so it's important to remove the plant's before its getting warmer.

[Brian Ellis]

I raked around in the clump of Sedum album that had overgrown the spot and found two healthy shoots.

Glad you haven't lost it Anthony, fingers crossed for the other.  I still have no sign of Tiny or Haddens Tiny (the same I think)   ...and some of my twinscales are only just showing too!

[carolesmith]

Re G 'Yaffle", as with everything I guess, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, must admit to a weakness for the 'yellows' and hence I rather like the limey greens also.  That said I also purchased a bulb for £5 this year which I really like - nivalis leaf, very dark ovary and solid, dark inner mark - bought as G. 'Bitton" which it obviously is not - but I really like it so am not upset. It now bears a label saying NOT BITTON until and unless someone can tell me what it really is.

[Maggi Young]

It now bears a label saying NOT BITTON until and unless someone can tell me what it really is.

'Once Bitten, Twice Shy'........ 

[carolesmith]

Exactly Maggi.  However, the book is a bit heavy to be carrying around, and unfortunately I cannot remember what everything (700 plus?) is supposed to look like, so I will buy something simply because I like the look of it.

[Maggi Young]

I will buy something simply because I like the look of it.

And that is the best way to buy anything! Not because it is rare, or may be an investment, but because one likes the look of it.... an excellent criterion.

Actually, though, Carole, I had  hoped I was making a frightfully clever joke about a name for your Not-Bitton  ( Bitten!!??) snowdrop 
 

[mark smyth]

Carole when is Spring Thing?

[KentGardener]

because none likes the look of it.... an excellent criterion.

   


Edit: OOPS! sorry, meant one not none! m

[ArneM]

Were these plants just damaged/trampled or are they virus-infected?  

[mark smyth]

Stagonospora problem

[ArneM]

Are you sure? Should I throw them in the bin?

[mark smyth]

Well it looks like Stag but it can be treated with Carbendazim

[ArneM]

So they will turn normal if they are treated with that?