We are working with several cultivars for a horticulture class and I have recently noticed that some of the prestige have developed small light brown/tan spots on the middle of the bracts. Could this be some form of nutrient deficiency or is something else wrong? (I have a picture I could email/post, but I am not sure how to do this) Thanks!

Hana, I know this bract is not the same color as the Prestige red but do the spots look similiar to this picture? ....Michael Pawelek

A picture would be good here. Foliar spotting can have a number of different causes including a nutrient disorder or something pathogenic to give a couple of examples. You did say the spotting was on the bracts but since you obviously don't have mature bracts right now we will assume you mean the leaves. If you truly are referring to an issue you had on the bracts last season please let us know. You can easily post images by creating a photo album using the same pull down menu in the top left of the forum - use the same menu you used to create this post.

A few questions....

Is the spotting on the new foliage or older foliage?
Is the crop shaded? What are the light levels like in the greenhouse?
Do you have pH and EC readings from the media?
Have any chemicals been applied?

Again, pictures would be a real help here but answers to the above questions would help us narrow down some possibilities.

The image Michael posted is something we often see on white bracts. In the finishing environment conditions are often such that moisture can condense on the bracts at night. With free moisture availability on the bracts tiny botrytis infections can set in. As the moisture evaporates and dries the infection also dries up but leaves tiny spotting behind. Preventative botrytis sprays on the mature bracts and providing good airflow in the house will help prevent problems with this spotting

Yes, sorry I meant the leaves. Here's the picture:




In regards to your question. The spotting is on the older foliage. No the crops is not shaded, I am not sure of the exact light levels in the green house. No I don't have EC or pH readings. The only thing that has been applied is some organic fertilizer and marathon.

Thanks for your help! (I am new to the Horticulture field and a first time Poinsettia grower and always appreciate help)

Did you apply the organic fertilizer overhead? That looks like burn to me from feed on the foliage, it might be intensified because of the direct sunlight and no shade if conditions have been bright. Don't need to worry, those leaves will be hidden by Christmas. If you think the organic fertilizer did it, be sure to was it off with clear water after application.

Hana, I believe the damage in your picture is from the older foliage comming from the relatively easy life of the shaded mist/rooting bench to the harsh life of too much sunlight and too much heat many Poinsettias experience during the growing process right after transplanting especailly here in the South. At this point those leaves will be long forgotten and covered up by the finished newer foliage and I would be a lot more concerned that you do not know the EC and pH levels in your soil to maintain good and healthy growth to the newer side branches now forming. I've seen growers in the past get away with 1 or 2 crops "flying blind" but eventually not knowing these numbers could cause you a world of trouble. This is not the kind of crop that you can make a major mistake, cut the foliage back, and start all over. In my humble opinion growing a Poinsettia crop without an EC meter and pH meter is like driving a 50 foot semi truck down the highway with your eyes closed. Eventually something bad is going to happen....Michael Pawelek
PS- Beside having an EC meter and pH meter on hand to check your crops soil condition they are critical for checking your water sources and injector if you use one....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Michael Pawelek,

Okay, thanks for your help and suggestions.