What do you think happened

[joefarmer]

Two days ago this plant looked normal (first pic.)

Yesterday I noticed it was drying at the tips
I thought it was just the sun it was vary hot and not much of a breeze
but today it looks like its dying and i won't see it flower
thats to bad its the only one i have and I don't think I can clone it the tips on the side shoots are the same way

Any thoughts or ideas are welcome

thanks all

[ileso]

im not exactly sure. the last 3 photos arent very focused...
describe whats happening.

it could be a problem in the roots for the plant to just go downhill that fast... reminds me of when my dad used to find my plants sometimes and spray them...

sorry champ its really hard to tell. it could be a plant disease.. any plants around yours display any disease or discoloration?

[OG KUSHMAN]

Dude! Looks like you got some Army Worms! Get some Safer Caterpillar Killer ASAP! It only kills the worms. Everything else will be fine. Bees, Ants, ladybugs. Everything else. Look for tiny little worms on your plants and remove as many as possible then spray with the Safer stuff. I spray twice a week, then stop 1 1/2 - 2 weeks before harvest but it says its safe up to the day of harvest. I have used the stuff for a couple years and it does not affect the taste, smell or buzz. If you have a strain with big buds you have to start spraying as soon as it starts to flower or they hide in the resin glands and eat the bud from the inside out. Its pretty ugly. The best time to see the worms is early AM or just before dark. The best time to spray is early AM so the buds can dry comepletely. Do it ASAP so the worms cant stay inside the buds and ruin your harvest. Good Luck!

[ileso]

army worms? ehehhe., what are they?

[Zigzagman]

Originally Posted by ileso

army worms? ehehhe., what are they?

The moths known as armyworms belong to the family Noctuidae of the order Lepidoptera. The family name refers to the nocturnal nature of the adults. While the adult stage causes no direct damage, the immature worm stage feeds, often voraciously, on plants.

Hosts include many vegetables, agronomic crops and grasses. The worms prefer to feed on foliage but may attack the stems, fruit or even tubers of certain host plants. Damage can be extensive. Armyworms are active from spring until fall. The different armyworms are similar in color, size and markings and can be difficult to tell apart.

Most armyworms go through five larval stages within 14 to 21 days (species and temperature dependent). As they grow, their ability to consume plant tissue increases and they can chew large holes in leaves or strip an entire plant. After maturity the worms move to the soil, dig to about 1" deep, and pupate. After seven to 14 days, they emerge as adults. The entire life cycle ranges from 24 to 36 days, with an average of 28 to 30. In Florida there can be many generations per year, usually peaking June through September. Adults migrate north as the weather warms, large numbers often flying long distances before descending to lay their eggs.

[siriguejo]

Originally Posted by ileso

army worms? ehehhe., what are they?

clearly they are the worms that made it through basic...

[joefarmer]

Thanks

I don't see any kind of worms anywhere
and none of the plants around it have any kind of disease
that I can tell

The crown and all the tips are now dead
but the rest of the plant seems to be doing OK

Any ideas on what I should do?
should I pull it or leave it to see what will happen


Thanks

Joe

[siriguejo]

assuming you havent yet i would suggest reading through the FAQ links from the front page.

they have several parts dealing with plant problems that might be helpful...they have helped me alot understand SNAFUs in my growing.

if thats not helpful then someone else less novice in growing in soil should be around soon to help you out.

goodluck mate.

[ileso]

in the name of curiosity id see what happens

[Zigzagman]

The plant itself should live. Clean up the damaged areas and treat for the worms and you should be OK. Neem oil can also be used.

Similar to sod webworms both species prefer to feed at night, so most insecticides labeled for sod webworm control will also control both armyworm species. The following insecticides have labeling for armyworm control
Pyrethroids: Astro, Battle, Scimitar, Tempo, and Talstar

Carbamates: Sevin

Organophosphates: Dursban and Proxol

[jangel]

Zig knows a lot so I would do as he suggests. The problem with most infestations, especailly nocturnal insects is you never see them, you just see the damage......

[Zigzagman]

Thanks J. If you want to test for them first, mix a teaspoon of soap with a gall. of water and pour a 3 foot wet circle around the plant. If they are army worms ,they'll be on the surface within seconds. They are night feeders and return into the ground before light. In the fall, they'll bore into buds and live... Been there, felt that... I think the only thing they won't eat is roots.

[Shinningwind]

Is it possible the plant was in need of water....? Then wilted abit , and scorched by the sun.

I had a clone I planted on a hot day in the bushes. Didn't water it. It had a couple of days of extreme heat and no rain. When I went back to look at it weeks later.

It had remenance of a similiar appearance as to what your plant is exhibiting.
It did have new growth and is doing okay now.

[OG KUSHMAN]

The only reason I use the Safer Catterpillar stuff is because it doent affect the taste of the smoke after you use it and its Caterpillar Specific. It doesnt hurt any of the beneficial insects in the garden or my pets!