Anaerobic Condition?

applenut · 2017-04-13T03:10:02.422Z

Had a guy send me photos of his ailing apple benchgrafts; they sprouted OK, and then all seem to be succumbing to what appears to be a root rot. This could be caused by an anaerobic condition where the roots lack oxygen, but I’m not sure of the cause of that?

IMG_20170408_123735.jpg3120×4160 4.27 MB

IMG_20170404_140918.jpg3120×4160 4.17 MB

fruitnut · 2017-04-13T03:29:19.955Z

The soil looks like clay with poor structure. It’s puddled up pretty badly on top. In addition I wonder how well those bags drain. Some wood or sand mixed in might help.

applenut · 2017-04-13T03:55:29.033Z

We use maize sacks successfully in Uganda, but the clay there seems to have much more sand in it and drains better.

IMG-20170325-WA0017.jpg1280×960 338 KB

Richard · 2017-04-13T05:29:00.905Z

The adaptability of Tribes-Genus-species has always fascinated me. The muck those bench-grafts are planted in looks terrible for Malus, but seedlings from my Prunus ilicifolia would enjoy it!

MMR_Tulsa6B · 2017-04-13T20:20:42.761Z

Could be the lack of watering? Not sure. Bags at the back have loose soil at top. I expect a more flat top surface after two or three weeks of regular watering.

I am seeing dry leaf edges. Could be the reason of a long gap between watering? I am not sure.

Or could be the reason of application of watering. Clay soil in a sack become a hard mud-ball in few hours if left dry. Dry mud-ball in a sack needs repeating applications of small amount of watering to reach to the center.

MES111 · 2017-04-13T20:43:29.266Z

@applenut

Are those cement fruit trees?

Do we let them ripen on the tree or do we pick early and let them set after picking?

Mike