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Phoenix, AZ

I am theorizing that my increased dieback is caused by the excessive need for nutrients by the fruit. I am at day 33 and it seems that my older leaves are dying at a quicker and quicker pace. being that I am getting margin burn, I assume it is the Ca that is being sucked from the leaves since it cannot get enough from the ground.

Is this a theory I have to prove myself or has someone confirmed this is something going on?

I understand dieback is natural but not at an exponetially accelerating rate that I am seeing.

4/19/2007 1:26:28 PM

Nikiski, Alaska 99635

From a distance your plant looks good on your April 14th post. That Arizona sun could be responsible for some of the leaf deterioration on your older leaves Ben. The middle age leaves and newer growth looks good. It is amazing how much water one of these plants can go through in a normal climate, much less the Sonoran Desert. How much water is she going through on your average day and how is it being given Ben? Strung out, all at once, early or late in the day? Of course all this water needs to be balanced with proper nutrition. What are the surface ground temps during mid day, could a shade cloth during the mid day heat help. Only suggestions, I'm in Alaska as you know Ben and I go through alot of water on a day that is 80 degrees.

4/20/2007 1:03:36 AM

Phoenix, AZ

I give my plant approximately 100 gallons per day on its 200 SF of soil that it grows in. is this enough?

Climate right now is 80's for highs and 50's for lows. Humidity averages 15% this time of year.

Temps of my soil is about 70F, 6" down.

4/20/2007 9:07:22 AM

Nikiski, Alaska 99635

Ideal conditions for growing. That should be plenty of water for 200 sq ft of growing space, providing the soil is a well drained loam, composted properly and not subject to compacting. A leaf tissue analysis would give you a more definitive idea of where you stand Ben. It would be interesting to carefully dig up some of the root system when the season is over and see what is going on there. Good Luck down there in the heat! I hope I can see just a few days of 80s this summer.

4/20/2007 10:59:21 AM