J
Janus
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This disease is causing serious destruction of the many vineyards and Oleanders (planted along most highways) throughout California. This post, as far I can tell, is the first public account of this disease affecting MJ. The disease is a lethal systemic bacteria called Xylella Fastidiosa and the vector is sap sucking bugs. Primarily the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter is to blame and the state Agriculture commission has a specific department established to deal with the problem. The bacteria disrupts water transport within the plant and there is no cure.
I lost an entire round last fall due to this heinous disease. I had approximately 20 total thrips spread amongst 32 three foot tall plants. Thrips were spotted and fully eradicated within 12hrs (hand picked off and Imidacloprid systemically). However, within a week, water consumption started to fall off dramatically. Another week after that and the plants were starting to show leaf issues (see pics). Another week after that and water transport went to near zero and massive death.
After much detective work it was determined that I have Oleanders infected with the disease on my property (since removed). I was unable to find any mention of thrips being a known vector but I'm 100% certain this is what happened. (I did find reference to thrips living in Oleanders.) Scientist don't believe the bacteria is transmitted by anything other than sap sucking bugs but I witnessed spread to plants that had no thrips but were in the same recirculating hydro system.
Please, no speculation in this thread about Pythium or some nute deficiency as I'm certain of the diagnosis.
For you outdoor guys in Calif, I suggest you survey your surrounding area for infected Oleanders or Vineyards.
Peace
Here are some related links. (sorry for not imbedding)
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7480.html
Thrips on Oleander:
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/IPM.asp?code=235&grou
p=66&level=c
Sharpshooters breed in Citrus:
guidelines.html
Wiki Xylella Fastidiosa:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylella_fastidiosa
Pierce's Disease website:
http://www.piercesdisease.org/
Science, history, and lab diagnosis:
I lost an entire round last fall due to this heinous disease. I had approximately 20 total thrips spread amongst 32 three foot tall plants. Thrips were spotted and fully eradicated within 12hrs (hand picked off and Imidacloprid systemically). However, within a week, water consumption started to fall off dramatically. Another week after that and the plants were starting to show leaf issues (see pics). Another week after that and water transport went to near zero and massive death.
After much detective work it was determined that I have Oleanders infected with the disease on my property (since removed). I was unable to find any mention of thrips being a known vector but I'm 100% certain this is what happened. (I did find reference to thrips living in Oleanders.) Scientist don't believe the bacteria is transmitted by anything other than sap sucking bugs but I witnessed spread to plants that had no thrips but were in the same recirculating hydro system.
Please, no speculation in this thread about Pythium or some nute deficiency as I'm certain of the diagnosis.
For you outdoor guys in Calif, I suggest you survey your surrounding area for infected Oleanders or Vineyards.
Peace
Here are some related links. (sorry for not imbedding)
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7480.html
Thrips on Oleander:
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/IPM.asp?code=235&grou
p=66&level=c
Sharpshooters breed in Citrus:
guidelines.html
Wiki Xylella Fastidiosa:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylella_fastidiosa
Pierce's Disease website:
http://www.piercesdisease.org/
Science, history, and lab diagnosis: