Question

Fuschia leaf problem   QUESTION: I've grown Gartenmeister Bonstedt Fuschias for years, both overwintered and purchased from a nursery, and I'm plagued by a condition where the leaves at the top of the plants are disfigured and "shot through" on the end nearest the trunk of the plant.  I can't see any evidense of insects, and other than that the plant seems healthy.

ANSWER: Maura:

Holes in the leaf are good indicators of insect feeding.  Do you think that both problems are related to each other? Can you send along a closeup photo of these "disfigured and holy" leaves? This may help to ID.  Be sure to review the photo on your computer to be sure it is in focus before sending it.

Steve

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fuschia leaves   QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply.
Here's a picture showing the leaves on a plant (lower leaves are fine), and a close-up of a leaf top and bottom.
I think they are the same problem since I never see one without the other.  I've brought in branches and slapped them over a white piece of paper and never found any kind of insect.  I've even looked at the little specks with a magnifier to see if they were a mite, but I haven't seen anything that looks like a bug of any sort.
I thought it might be environmental, but I moved and didn't have any plants during construction of my new house, then when I bought new plants it showed up again.
I live in SE Alaska, and it's normally cool and wet, but this has been a warm dry summer, and it's still happening.  I'm perplexed!

Answer
Maura:
I strongly suspect that something is happening to the leaf as it begins to open and expand-something is causing injury to that newly developing leaf long before it has fully expanded.  Thats when to check for any chewing or other sources of injury.  This might be insect, chemicals or physical abrasions etc. Again, I am pretty sure soemthing is happening at that particular stage of leaf development.  Be sure to also review any chemicals applied during that time as well. To me, this looks more environmental/external stress than an insect or disease.

Regards
Steve

EXtra 08-06-09 2:15 pm. CT

Look for problems just as the leaf is starting to emerge from the bud.  There might be mites or small insects feeding on that tender tissue at that particular time. or even any rubbing or physical injury occuring.   I do not think water imbalances would cause this.
S