Question
Hi,

I have planded quite a few of these seeds and lots have germinated.  I have grown them in a greenhouse (I live in N. Ireland so the climate I think should be ok for these anyway - there actually are a couple of "full grown" examples quite close bu)

However some (about 1/3) of the seedlings are dying in the pots after they reacy about 3-4 inches high.  If they make it past this hight they seem to be ok.  The problem starts at the bottom foliage - it turns a very pale green - then brown, and this process works it's way to the top and the tree is dead.  The entire process takes about 10 days.

Is this natural decay from "dodgy" seeds - or is there some nasty fungus or disease?  I to tend to lightly water them every day - so perhaps this is an issue?

Any advice welcomed

Malcolm

Answer
Hi Malcolm,
Thanx for your question.  What you're describing sounds like damping off disease which is a fungal infection caused by too much humidity and not enough air cirulation.  The fungus attacks baby plants at ground level and kills them.  When the seedlings germinate do not over water.  The soil should be evenly moist and not soggy.  Sometimes aiming an oscillating fan at the lowest speed at the plants helps circulate air and prevents the fungal spores from attaching to the plants.  I use milled sphagnum moss sprinkled lightly over the growing medium right after I plant my seeds.  This stuff is great for keeping damping off disease at bay.  You can buy it at most nurseries.  I hope this helps.
Tom