Re: crown gall (was: To Gail and Jeffrey)

"Bob Bauer" <bobbauer@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:ggns539o6l9a4f3jpf895pob5bsrhiqkid@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Gail said
>>Nice to see you posting again.  I've tried
>>to stay active here, along with a few other
>>folk.  I'm certainly willing to get into
>>discussions..
>
> Hi Gail, I guess I need to ask specifically if you are aware if 
> there
> has been  any posting here  by the folks who previously destroyed 
> this
> group in the last year or two?  I really would like to know.

I'd say no.

Posting has been light enough that you could
search google groups www.groups.google.com
by name (if you recall names) or simply by
a range of dates.  See if you see anything
or anyone problemmatic.

>>So here's my comment and question:
>>I seem to have trouble with crown gall or
>>canker...
>
> It sounds like you have long experience with this problem.  I have 
> no
> first hand knowledge, but have read quite a bit about crown gall.
>
> Crown gall is a bacterial infection that triggers a DNA anomaly in 
> the
> plant tissue producing a growth hormore that makes the cells grow in
> an uncontrolled cancer like manner.
>
> The bad bacterium is called Agrobacterium tumefaciens.  Being a
> bacteria that has a "saprophyte" or dormant form, it can live in
> organic debris for several years. It  is spread from soil to plant 
> by
> ground  water or by rain spla****ng, and causes a new infection if 
> that
> soil or splash hits a fresh scape or gouge within 24 hours or so of
> the injury.
>
> Recommendations I have seen say to not replant in the same area at 
> all
> for 5 years.  Although that seems pretty extreme to me unless you 
> have
> unlimited space.

I have a ton of unused space but my body
will no longer tolerate me digging large
holes (for rose beds) in heavy clay!  :)
I've read a number of sources including
Peter Schneider who say there is no
reason to avoid replanting as long as you
replace the soil.  I've had roses do great in
locations where earlier roses died due to
crown gall or canker.

> Spraying both the soil and the plant with insecticide to prevent
> chewing insects that cause plant wounds is recommended also.

I really should try that.  I have fire ants
(which love my lightweight soil in raised
beds) as well as a number of rolly pollys
(there's probably an official name) and I've
read the latter can do damage in numbers.
Wasps could also be a possibility.  I
know I have several different kinds around.

> Good luck.  Sounds like a real headache!
>
> Bob Bauer
> http://www.rose-roses.com/

Thanks!

Gail
near San Antonio TX Zone 8