Clear Fork River Valley with nematodes?

[rufie98]

I purchased this hosta in September from my local hosta society. I was thrilled to have a Clear Fork River Valley hosta this size. After bringing it home I noticed one leaf in particular that caused me concern. Otherwise the plant looked disease free. This isn't nematodes is it? I would be extremely disappointed to think that my society allowed plants with nematodes. Here are a couple of photos.

[Chris_W]

Hi,

No, it doesn't really look like nematode damage to me. The brown streak crosses over the veins and nematode damage won't look like that, plus the distinct start and stop points, rather than a blending of color, is another indication that this isn't nematodes.

So don't worry about this one

Chris

[rufie98]

Thanks Chris for the good news. You've made me very happy!

[ViolaAnn]

I agree completely with Chris.

But also, don't be too hard on your local society. Nematodes are just about everywhere now and eventually you too will likely have some. They affect far too many other garden perennials to avoid for long. And early in the season, they are nearly impossible to detect.

[rufie98]

I see your point about nematodes ViolaAnn. It would be a difficult task to keep them from entering the garden. Then it is probably a very good thing that our society has its hosta sale at the end of the growing season.

I also purchased a fern at the hosta sale and am wondering whether it has nematodes. I find it even more difficult to tell. I have searched on the internet to see pictures of fern with nematodes, but have not found many. I am considering just keeping it in a pot in the garage for the winter instead of adding it to the garden.

[ViolaAnn]

I'm afraid I don't know what nems in ferns look like. Is there a forum here at Hallson where there would be people who know? Yes. it likely is a good thing your sale is at the end of the season.

[Bill Meyer]

Hi All,

I wouldn't say I'm 100% sure that isn't nematodes but it probably isn't. You can test easily by cutting up that part of the leaf and putting it in water in a clear glass dish. After an hour or so hold it up to a bright light and look at it with a 10x magnifying glass. Little clear wriggling wormlike things in the water are nematodes.

The genie is out of the bottle with nematodes and won't be going back in. Once they're in the garden they're there to stay. Like it or not we all have to learn to live with them. It is very difficult for nurseries to keep them out and only a few really do. Hats off to those like Chris who make the effort.

Foliar nematodes can infect hundreds of different plants, including many that gardeners like as well as weeds and even grasses. Below is a pic from Carol of them in a fern.

......Bill Meyer

[rufie98]

Thank you Bill! I am afraid I have now cut down my CFRV for the winter. (Of course with a sterile knife.) So I will not be able to do the test. I must keep that in mind for next year!

I appreciate the picture of the fern with nematodes you submitted. I don't think that my fern has that kind of appearance. I can take a photo tomorrow to compare.

I joined this forum a few years ago. There was more activity at that time. I thought the Hallson forum members were kind and helpful then. I still feel that way today!

[ViolaAnn]

[rufie98]

Here is a photo of a leaf of my fern. Now that I see a closeup (and compare it with Bill's photo), I think perhaps it is not nematodes.