Climate doesn't have anything to do with HVX, but it does with foliar nematodes.

Nems use high humidity and rain to move from one plant to another. They overwinter in the crown and in the soil and migrate up the petioles into the leaves in the Spring. They do this on high humidity or wet days. So in rainier warmer climates with high humidity, nems will proliferate.

The other thing is that nems show damage late in the season. So in climates with short growing seasons like Minnesota, or Michigan, nematode damage shows up very late in the season. Many peeps in those climates ignore the small discolorations late in the season because Hostas are already beginning to show their Fall colors and frost is soon to happen. It's an easy solution. Ignore them.

In a long growing season nems show damage earlier. I think Moccasin Landing has seen them as early as May. In those climates, it's more difficult to just ignore the problem. The damage can much more disfiguring.

Steve

Thanks, Steve, i know alittle more now!

Well said, Steve.
I am anticipating results of the study on nematodes sponsored by the American Hosta Society. It will be a relief if the study can make recommendations for us southern growers with this problem.

but like most studies, there will be a recommendation of ⦠'continued study'

dave