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Grittyville, WA

Anyone familiar with overly hungry fruit sort of cannibalizing the leaves/ what nutrients would it be stealing? I'm familiar with the vine tips losing momentum but I'm not familiar with this thing where the fruit steals nutrients out of the leaves. Thanks for any wisdom.

7/15/2025 2:00:34 PM

Syracuse, NY

Just so that you know, I have said elsewhere in your favor when/since you first mentioned it that I agree that that is what happens with discolored leaves, particularly near the base/root/stump of the plant, in seedlings as well as fully-grown plants. Ones that are 'too far gone' can be left until the stems are shriveled and really, really a threat, as they are returning what they have in them, as-needed. If adequate, corrective ferts are applied in the meantime, one can remove what is unsightly, but it is not necessary. I never even thought about what makes trees' leaves turn colors in the fall...and fall... (Is that why it's called 'Fall???') and only once you mentioned it, well, a light came on!
On, ever since. Yeah, for the FRUIT to be benefitting from this, though, that's a new, deeper level. Good one!
Thanks---eric g

7/16/2025 11:19:56 PM

Grittyville, WA

Hmm, interesting thoughts! I think the tree roots or cambium can pull nutrients out of the leaves in the fall. If I had more/better roots, perhaps this would not be an issue.

7/17/2025 12:53:49 AM