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Although
the production of blooming New Guinea Impatiens is not difficult,
growers may experience problems during the course of the crop.
The information below helps identify particular issues that
growers may encounter at various stages of production.
TROUBLESHOOTING
BLOOMING CROP PRODUCTION
PROBLEM:
Rooted cuttings fail to develop new roots and appear stunted
after several weeks.
POTENTIAL CAUSE:
Diseases:
Look for signs of damage on root systems from Pythium or other
fungal pathogens.
Insects:
Look for fungus gnat larvae that attack young root systems and
can vector diseases.
Cultural: (1) Excess moisture in soil (2) High soluble salts
or (3) Low temperatures.
PROBLEM:
Rooted cuttings develop symptoms of black streaks on stems and
petioles, leaves may show concentric ring spots and leaf tips
curl or marginal burn is evident.
POTENTIAL
CAUSE:
Disease:
(1) Virus infection by either TSWV or INSV: Isolate plants and
have samples tested by a qualified crop diagnostic laboratory.
(2) Botrytis and Myrothecium may cause some symptoms that mimic
virus diseases. Moisture on leaves or flowers for more than
4 hours allows germination of Botrytis spores.
Insects:
Thrips are the only known vectors of TSWV or INSV. Check NGIs
and adjacent crops for thrips.
Cultural: Phytotoxicity may occur from: (1) excessive fertilization
or (2) pesticide applications.
PROBLEM:
Mature plants fail to develop flowers.
POTENTIAL
CAUSE:
Cultural:
(1) Low light and high temperatures may result in poor flowering.
(2) Over-fertilization with mixtures high in ammonium nitrogen
will result in soft, lush plants that do not flower as readily.
(3) Determine if Florel® was used on cuttings, resulting
in a lack of flower buds for up to 6 weeks after the application
(response by cultivar may vary).
PROBLEM:
Leaves turn yellow, tips curl and leaf drop results
POTENTIAL
CAUSE:
Disease: Check root systems
for damage from disease that may also result in upper plant
problems.
Insects:
Inspect for signs of webbing and pests like spider mites on
plants.
Cultural:(1)
Excessive drying of growing media results in symptoms described.
(2) Evaluate fertilization program for inadequate supply or
injector failure (3) Check for excessive light intensities and/or
temperatures. Cultural problems that occur on New Guinea impatiens
may be avoided simply by providing basic crop needs. Purchase
quality cuttings from reliable suppliers and manage the fertilization
programs and temperatures for optimum growth. Whenever crop
problems are noticed, timely reaction and consultation with
your extension agent or supplier technical support can assist
in determining the nature of the problem and appropriate steps
to correct the situation.
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