Citrus Growers Forum

smurfinator · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Boulder, Colorado

This was my best kumquat sprout so far and I found it fallen over today with it's trunk shriveld up and floppy. Does anybody know what could cause this? It's now happening to another one as well.

Thanks!

Millet · Posted: Tue 17 Jul, 2007 5:18 pm

Unfortunately, your Kumquat seedling has been killed by a fungi called Rhizoctonia solani, commonly called damping off. Damping off is a common cause of death for citrus seedling, especially at 3-5 months of age . Infection occurs in warm to hot temperatures and moderate moisture levels. Watering citrus seedlings only in the early mornings, and then setting the pot in the direct sun, so the sun's rays will quickly dry the soil surface greatly helps to prevent this type of fungus. Also all nurseries, sell fungicides that can be used to prevent the development of Rhizoctonia. - Millet

JoeReal · Posted: Tue 17 Jul, 2007 5:36 pm

Sometimes a spray of captan can work, just follow instructions for damping off on citrus seedlings.

Without using fingicides, Millet's suggestion is very good as to the timing of watering. Another trick is to use 1/2 inch layer of sand above the potting media. Still another trick is to water from below, that is the water is abosrbed via capillary from under the containers. Then drain it.

And you can combine all the tricks together for sure effectivity.

smurfinator · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Boulder, Colorado

thanks for the info, guys. Man that really is a BUMMER but explains why I seem to lose some seedlings like that Sad

My kumquats seeds have not sprouted very well and I can't find any more fruit anywhere near me in Colorado.

Ned · Posted: Tue 17 Jul, 2007 11:17 pm

Good suggesions on growing seedlings from Millet and Joe. I might add that kumquats are best grafted on a citrus rootstock, that is suited for your growing conditions.

Ned

dauben · Posted: Mon 20 Aug, 2007 2:21 am

smurfinator wrote:

This was my best kumquat sprout so far and I found it fallen over today with it's trunk shriveld up and floppy. Does anybody know what could cause this? It's now happening to another one as well.

Thanks!

One of my Kumquats did this also. I'm looking to graft onto another rootstock as soon as the seedling is big enough to get some budwood off of.

Phillip

dauben · Posted: Fri 25 Jan, 2008 3:40 am

JoeReal wrote:

Sometimes a spray of captan can work, just follow instructions for damping off on citrus seedlings.

Joe:
Is Captan legal in California?

Phillip

Millet · Posted: Fri 25 Jan, 2008 11:39 am

I would think Captan would be legal everywhere. The problem that smufinator's Kumquat experienced can be almost totally avoided simply by planting in a sterile medium and watering the seedling early in the morning, then place the container in the sun so that the surface of the soil will quickly dry. The fungus Rhizoctonia solani requires a wet surface. - Millet

dauben · Posted: Fri 25 Jan, 2008 12:12 pm

Millet wrote:

I would think Captan would be legal everywhere. The problem that smufinator's Kumquat experienced can be almost totally avoided simply by planting in a sterile medium and watering the seedling early in the morning, then place the container in the sun so that the surface of the soil will quickly dry. The fungus Rhizoctonia solani requires a wet surface. - Millet

I was going to use it to dust seeds in storage. Ned had generously sent flying dragon seeds about a year ago dusted in Captan that didn't have any fungus problems. I later ordered sour orange seeds that arrived with fungus problems and thought that I should keep Captan on hand for my future seed collecting endeavours. I don't see it sold anywhere in California, so I was thinking it might be illegal. I did purchase some on Ebay, but I didn't want to break the law.

Thanks,
Phillip

Millet · Posted: Fri 25 Jan, 2008 1:12 pm

Philip, if Captan is illegal in California, then I would have to say, "it could only be possible in California." - Millet

dauben · Posted: Fri 25 Jan, 2008 1:35 pm

Millet wrote:

Philip, if Captan is illegal in California, then I would have to say, "it could only be possible in California." - Millet

"Only in the land of the fruits and nuts . . ."

Right now I'm working on a project to "mitigate" the Oak trees that our Water District cut down after they fell onto our road during the October fires and rains. Mitigate trees that were burned, uprooted, and dead. Want to know how many thousands are being spent on environmental consultants?

Phillip

Millet · Posted: Fri 25 Jan, 2008 8:07 pm

As a tax payer, I would be afraid to hear the answer. Those who can - do, and those who cannot consult. - Millet