nekhbet
Judging by the picture, my first thought would be sooty mold. Have you had any aphid or whitefly problems lately? The mold and the insects generally go hand-in-hand.
May 7, 2009
AmigaGood question, nekhbet! When I saw the discoloration, I looked for insects, but found none. I was turning and stroking the leaves carefully (like looking for ticks on a cat), nothing flew off or crawled onto my hand. I did see one very small wolf spide... moreGood question, nekhbet! When I saw the discoloration, I looked for insects, but found none. I was turning and stroking the leaves carefully (like looking for ticks on a cat), nothing flew off or crawled onto my hand. I did see one very small wolf spider. Those are so beautiful! And I am sure it was hunting but did not see there was anything there for it to hunt. I will continue to keep an eye on things. I keep thinking fungal. Know any broad spectrum, organic fungal treatments? Perhaps some nice compost tea? less
May 7, 2009
JustinDervaesThe pics for some reason look familiar like I have seen that before. Anyways, the only diseases that comfrey rarely gets when it is stressed is mildew and rust.
Your weather most likely could be the culprit - I know cold weather here brings out many ... moreThe pics for some reason look familiar like I have seen that before. Anyways, the only diseases that comfrey rarely gets when it is stressed is mildew and rust.
Your weather most likely could be the culprit - I know cold weather here brings out many pigment discoloration in a variety of plants. Or the leaves could have been tinge by the freezing weather. I could be wrong - but I would go far out on a comfrey limb to say nothing serious is wrong with the plant. If anything, it should clear up with warmer weather.
Hope this helps and good luck!. less
May 8, 2009
AmigaJustin, I am sure you know how big a relief it is to be able to look at something with another gardener. So thanks! I have the same gut feeling - that this is equivalent to a head cold for the comfrey, and that as the soil warms and the air dries a litt... moreJustin, I am sure you know how big a relief it is to be able to look at something with another gardener. So thanks! I have the same gut feeling - that this is equivalent to a head cold for the comfrey, and that as the soil warms and the air dries a little (which is iffy this time of year in New England), it should clear up. I plan to make a compost tea for the little guy, to boost its immune system.
This is the growing center of the comfrey rosette. The newest growth is almost covered in the very dark reddish purple, with several larger irregular splotches on the older leaves. I did not see this until today, and I look at the comfrey just about daily. This really caught my eye this afternoon. It has been cool and damp for about a week now.
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Your weather most likely could be the culprit - I know cold weather here brings out many ... more