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Anchorage Alaska

I need some advice , my leaves get to a certain size, the the stalk buckles and then timber...Before they collapse ,a series of ridges form on the outer bend of the stalk,about 1 inch apart,then an indent will form and when the leaf gets to a certain size, it will buckle under it's own weight. I need input on why ... at first I was thinking soil deficiency, but soil test looked OK . Over the last 3 years I've been staking them before they fall,that works . but takes time..so I was wondering if any body else had this problem or had any thoughts on it

5/18/2011 1:10:56 AM

Nikiski, Alaska 99635

Just my input Dale, I know from growing up here for 10 seasons now that greenhouse only plants lack the natural elements like wind and enviromental abuse which actually strengthens the stalks over time. Leaf stalks tend to be shorter and more sturdy when subjected to cooler windier conditions. I know in the past when I was growing in a lower greenhouse than I'm growing in currently the leaves/stalks really stretch trying to find any warmth in their surroundings that being the area near the ceiling. It made for huge leaves in the top of the warm canopy of the greenhouse but the stalks were stretched out making them top heavy and subject to being easily broken. I'm seeing this again with this years lowered greenhouse. To help strenghten the leaves and stalks I have been running a fan on the plant for a couple to three hours a day during the warmest time of the day. The fan is set on a timer to come on from noon till 3pm daily. I usually adjust the angle to varying degrees every day to cover as much of the plant as possible over a period of time. It also helps ventilate plant somewhat during the warm humid conditions of mid afternoon. Take a close look at this years diary you will see the fan pointed right into the heart of the plant. I also have another big fan set on a timer as well to exhaust out one of the ventilation windows. Adjust timer to daily conditions before work as to when and how long fan will operate. This takes out most of the hot air that migrates to the ceiling area during the daylight hours. Only my point of view, I'm sure there is alot of input and good advice out there from other growers.

5/18/2011 1:54:05 AM

Mass

I had that exact problem last year on two leaves on one plant in the early stage. They were across from each other about 1st or 2nd secondary. After that the plant was fine. No idea why or what though.

5/18/2011 7:21:40 AM

South East

There an old post or two on this site, one suggesting to much nitrogen as the cause. Maybe you can do a tissue test and see if its a nutrient imbalance. We had it before here to, a year or two a go.

5/18/2011 8:28:07 AM

Anchorage Alaska

Thanks , JD I hear what your saying about growing in a greenhouse type environment and not having natural moving air to strengthen the stalk, but that doesn't explain the ridges forming on the stalk and why not every leaf has them .Though my early big sun leaves are more susceptible to crash,then the later leafs...
Pete , those pics are exactly what's happening
T & F, I don't think it's a nitrogen issue,the soil temp is usually above 70 when they go in the ground. This is not a season ending problem, but it 's hard when you have a big healthy plant and you lose leaves prematurely, I was hoping I could add a little of this or that and the problem would go away,for all I know this a common thing

5/18/2011 9:46:32 PM