Query on resource information on pests and diseases

[cathleen]

Hi guys

Although I’ve been a member of this forum for a little while now, this is the first time I’ve had to post a request, as normally it’s possible to locate answers on other postings, but I haven’t found any relevant information.

What I was wondering was if anyone can direct me to good resource information on pests and diseases to enable me to analyse problems that may be occurring on my plants.

I have actually found a product on the internet called Garden Detective by BCPC -http://www.bcpc.org/publications/newsreleases/Garden_Detective_2003.htm

How do people rate this product?

The reason I’m chasing this up is that I’ve just had to throw away my Chilli Pepper plants as they had something spreading all over them that was even starting to effect the fruits – very depressing!! As I didn’t know what it was, I decided to play safe and get rid of them so not risk infecting anything else.

I’ve only recently just started to grow my own vegetables, so I’m on a massive learning curve at the mo ) I’m sure you all can appreciate that.

Many thanks in advance.

[nick the grief]

Hi Cathleen, good to hear from you at last

I have to say the best resource on the internet is here as we've all suffered from something somewhere sometime. Shame you didn't post a foto firtst we may have been able to save the chilli plants.

As to Garden Detective - I have never used this so can't comment. When I'm stuck (and I do get stuck contrary to popular belief) I go and ask my friend & mentor (I suppose he's a grand master )

You will never learn everything but you will never stop learning either. So just keep asking the questions.

[cathleen]

Many thanks for your message Nick; it’s reassuring to know I can ask these questions.

I got myself in such a panic yesterday; I just couldn’t believe how spread it was and that I didn’t notice until then. So I’ve learnt two important lessons:

1 – Don’t take things for granted, always inspect your plants!
2 – If in doubt ask, you never know what you’ll learn!

And I’m sure I’ll be asking you all many more questions from now on, as I’ve just signed up for my first allotment one hour ago!!!!! Very exciting

Thanks again, C.

[Lesley Jay]

That's great news about your new allotment Cathleen. You will love it. Any questions - no matter how daft they might sound to you - just ask away. Someone on here is bound to know the answer!

[JennieAtkinson]

Hello Cathleen - as part of my MOM prize a few months ago I got the Garden Detective CD-Rom. I haven't used it alot but with my limited knowledge of pests and diseases have found it extremely useful. I found it easy to use (I'm a bit computer illiterate!) and it has lots of photographs which I felt made it easier to try and identify the problem. It also links you to other relevant problems which all help you to identify your own problem. Hope this makes sense! In a nutshell I thought it was very good for someone with my limited knowledge of pests and diseases.

As Lesley says don't worry about asking questions here - there is a mound of knowledge on this site and many of us are beginners. Good luck with the allotment.
Jennie

[Palustris]

The only daft question is the one you did not ask when you could have done!

[Snadger]

Many thanks for your message Nick; it’s reassuring to know I can ask these questions.

I got myself in such a panic yesterday; I just couldn’t believe how spread it was and that I didn’t notice until then. So I’ve learnt two important lessons:

1 – Don’t take things for granted, always inspect your plants!
2 – If in doubt ask, you never know what you’ll learn!

And I’m sure I’ll be asking you all many more questions from now on, as I’ve just signed up for my first allotment one hour ago!!!!! Very exciting

Thanks again, C.

Good luck & welcome to the vine! Congratulations on getting your allotment and make sure you let us know all about it as you go along!

Don't worry about posting what may seem to you, daft questions,(Ive been doing it since I joined!) thats what the vine is all about!

One persons daft question is another persons deepest concern

[dexterdoglancashire]

Hello Cathleen and welcome to the Vine! As you can see everyone is very friendly and has a wealth of advice and tips. Do keep us up to date on your lottie! Yes, Jennie - Ive also got a garden detective CD in my MOM pack - fortunately, havent had to use it yet - but I've got it to hand in case I do! dexterdog

[raine]

thick question- what's a MOM pack?
raine

[Lesley Jay]

Member Of The Month. We shorten it to MOM. Dexterdog is this months member of the month.

Plus you get a parcel of goodies from Grow Your Own so that is what they are calling the pack.

[Squirrel]

I've got what was supposed to be a chilie plant (can't spell tonight sorry!) It has grown what looks like green peppers but they are black! Starts black at the top by the stem - fruit still grows though! Anybody any ideas?

[nick the grief]

It's not an Aubergine is it Squirrel Only joking. If it's still growing & feels firm it may just be the variety, not growing lots I don't know I'm afraid. If it feels soft then it sounds like some sort of rot.

[Squirrel]

No Nick it is not an Aubergine! Cheeky! It is still firm and shiny! Will try and post a pic.

Pics taken, but it is dark outside already so hope these show up ok!

[dexterdoglancashire]

Nick - from your last entry I could post something really rude! but I won't 'coz I'm a lady! honest! dexterdog

[Squirrel]

Now now DD lol!