Growing: Seedling & Transplant Problems (6115)

Following are some of the common problems of young vegetable transplants and seedlings in the garden. The chart lists a symptom followed by possible causes and solutions.

White tipped leaves - Frost damage, stress symptom of rapid weather change. Protect plants from cold, especially at night.

Purple leaves - Cold damage; phosphorous deficiency. Protect plants from cold, and fertilize plants with a high phosphorous soluble plant food.

Pale green leaves - Lack of nitrogen or sunlight. Fertilize plants with a balanced soluble plant food. Most vegetable plants do best in full sun.

Leaf yellowing, stunting - Insect feeding: Spider mites produce fine stippling, especially in warm weather; whiteflies are tiny white insects that fly up when disturbed. Control with insecticidal soap. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects, green or peach-colored. Natural predators and parasites usually keep populations low.

Plants wilt - Lack of water; exposure to drying winds. Maintain adequate soil moisture, protect plants from wind.

Seeds are rotted; seedlings - Seed corn maggot. The small, cream-colored larvae feed are weak and wilted on the seeds and seedlings of many vegetables and spread diseases. Avoid adding large amounts of fresh manure prior to planting. Don't plant until the soil has warmed to 55 - 60°F. Try pre-sprouting corn and bean seed.

Plants fall over and die - Damping off: taproot and lower stem shrivel and darken. Remove plants and replant. Add organic matter and plant on ridge or raised bed; do not over-water.

Plants cut off at soil line - Cutworms are night feeders that drag plants into underground burrows. Most damage occurs during cool weather in May and June. Use cardboard collars around stems to prevent damage. Slugs and snails are also night feeders; slimy trails may be seen. Control with physical barriers.

Leaves and stems chewed - Slugs, snails, cutworms, voles, rabbits. Use barriers or repellents.

Small holes in leaves - Flea beetles; small, dark, shiny beetles that jump when disturbed and produce a "shotgun" feeding pattern. Cucumber beetles are small, yellow beetles with black stripes or spots. Exclude these pests with floating row covers or spray with labeled insecticide.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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