Adjoining Hostas - One with HVX and One Healthy
Posted: Aug 24, 2009 9:52 pm
First, I want to say how helpful this forum is. I have learned so much from it! Thanks to all who participate. It's really good to connect with other gardeners and share information in this way.
Recently at this forum, Chris very kindly looked at photos of my Wide Brim Hostas and determined they had HVX. I took his advice and removed them right away and disinfected all my garden tools. As you can imagine, I have been worried that I already spread HVX to the remaining hostas in my garden (I have about 15 others) since I trimmed, cut back and divided them last Spring and Fall without even knowing about HVX at that time.
Last weekend, I was given enough Agdia strips to test most of my remaining hostas. Unfortunately, 2 more tested positive for HVX (a Minuteman and a Patriot)!! To my surprise, they were among the healthiest and most vigorous looking hostas I have.
I now have 3 questions:
1) My HVX positive Minuteman is adjacent to a lovely June hosta that tested HVX negative. They are about 2 feet apart from stem to stem and I assume their roots must overlap somewhat due to their
proximity. The June is really gorgeous...it is my favourite hosta! Is it possible to dig up the Minuteman without infecting the June with HVX?
2) Most of my hostas tested negative with the Agdia strips, which is good news. However, if they were just recently cross-infected with HVX (say last Spring or last Fall when I cut back and divided some
plants) is it possible that they could have actually have HVX but test negative?
3) I have a Guacamole and a Leading Lady that both look a little unusual this year. The Leading Lady has some misshapen and twisted leaves and isn't nearly as vigorous as it was last year. Until now I just
assumed it was because I split it into 3 plants last Spring. The Guacamole is quite vigorous but the leaves are more turned under at the edges and are a lot lighter than in previous years. Both plants tested
negative for HVX. Is it possible that they have HVX but it just hasn't shown up in the Agdia test yet?
I would appreciate any advice as I am desperate to save my remaining hostas...I really do love them!
Thanks! Nancy
Recently at this forum, Chris very kindly looked at photos of my Wide Brim Hostas and determined they had HVX. I took his advice and removed them right away and disinfected all my garden tools. As you can imagine, I have been worried that I already spread HVX to the remaining hostas in my garden (I have about 15 others) since I trimmed, cut back and divided them last Spring and Fall without even knowing about HVX at that time.
Last weekend, I was given enough Agdia strips to test most of my remaining hostas. Unfortunately, 2 more tested positive for HVX (a Minuteman and a Patriot)!! To my surprise, they were among the healthiest and most vigorous looking hostas I have.
I now have 3 questions:
1) My HVX positive Minuteman is adjacent to a lovely June hosta that tested HVX negative. They are about 2 feet apart from stem to stem and I assume their roots must overlap somewhat due to their
proximity. The June is really gorgeous...it is my favourite hosta! Is it possible to dig up the Minuteman without infecting the June with HVX?
2) Most of my hostas tested negative with the Agdia strips, which is good news. However, if they were just recently cross-infected with HVX (say last Spring or last Fall when I cut back and divided some
plants) is it possible that they could have actually have HVX but test negative?
3) I have a Guacamole and a Leading Lady that both look a little unusual this year. The Leading Lady has some misshapen and twisted leaves and isn't nearly as vigorous as it was last year. Until now I just
assumed it was because I split it into 3 plants last Spring. The Guacamole is quite vigorous but the leaves are more turned under at the edges and are a lot lighter than in previous years. Both plants tested
negative for HVX. Is it possible that they have HVX but it just hasn't shown up in the Agdia test yet?
I would appreciate any advice as I am desperate to save my remaining hostas...I really do love them!
Thanks! Nancy