Identifying the source of plant issues can be quite the tangled mess. For instance, we found some spider mites on the cucumber plants and covering the calendulas that are at the end of the rows in the greenhouse. This was identified around the same time that I received my plant sap analysis back from the lab. The lab identified deficiencies in potassium, molybdenum, boron, zinc, as well as a minor deficiency in nitrogen. We did a soil drench of an organic nitrogen source, as well as a foliar potassium and micronutrient application. The result of this application is that we no longer have spider mites in that greenhouse. We could have turned to an insecticidal soap, or used a pyrethrin insecticide to address the issue, but by doing a sap analysis we could identify the root cause. Yes, by addressing plant health, those plants are no longer susceptible to spider mites. Unfortunately, those insects are easier to solve than the cucumber beetles that often plague these plants. Not only do these beetles cause physical damage to the plants and fruit, they also spread a virus called cucumber wilt mosaic virus among others. But, plants, like us, have an immune system. When supported with proper nutrition, moisture, and environment, they can withstand a certain level of disease causing organisms and virus. Cucumber beetles actively attack the weakest plants and eat on them until they are no longer a viable food source. Alas, it often not as easy as this example to identify sources of plant issues, but we do try our best! And as a bonus, these micronutrients we give the plants and in turn for your health too!
I hope you enjoy this weeks produce share! As always- if you have any missing items, concerns, (or positive feedback), please let us know.
