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Gladioli - Does anyone know what has caused them to look like this?



Garden_014 Garden_016

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this looks typical of thrip damage. [possibly viral but more likely thrip] Its a small slime black insect that sucks the sap . the damage probably happened more than 6 weeks ago. The plants will be ok next year provided they dont get attacked again. It is so disappointing for you Womble.

24 Jul, 2010

 

Agree, Gladiolus thrips - there should be a spray available to treat for this, but when the plants are over, remove affected foliage (you're supposed to burn it) and when you lift the corms, make sure you store them somewhere very cool, but frost free - this pest can overwinter on the corms, and will weaken them if not stored properly.

24 Jul, 2010

 

meant to type slim insect. :o)

24 Jul, 2010

 

Thanks. Whats the best way to storing them? I dugged a load up last year but i hadnt stored them properly and they rotted. These were my replacements.

25 Jul, 2010

 

Bit of a performance, frankly, and I never bother, just buy new each year. You're supposed to dig them up in September, remove any topgrowth hanging about, remove the corm beneath the new corm formed at the top, plus remove any small cormlets round it, then clean them, leave to dry somewhere airy, then store in a frost free, dry place. I used to put mine in dry silver sand in trays.

25 Jul, 2010

 

I don't bother to dig them up either, i leave mine in the ground :-/

25 Jul, 2010

 

Trouble is, these ones have got thrips, so they can't be left - either dumped or stored effectively is the only way to go.

25 Jul, 2010

 

Didn't realise it's a killer, it'll just infect the rest then, shame.

25 Jul, 2010

 

Not a killer, but will affect next year if not dealt with properly with this lot.

25 Jul, 2010

 

Hmm, interesting.

25 Jul, 2010

 

Thanks Bamboo. i guess its worth storing them and hoping they survive this time unlike the last batch. do you know if this affects any other plants?

28 Jul, 2010

 

Other plants can get thrips, but this one's specifically gladiolus thrips.

28 Jul, 2010

How do I say thanks?

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