STRANGE WHITE SPOTS!

[mistaswift]

my babys are 2 weeks into flowering now, i am starting to worry.......

little itty bitty white spots are appearing on some of the itty bitty leaves and the new growths, theese "white spots" seem to be getting bigger im not exactly sure what theese white spots are or what they seem to represent or even if they are somthing i should worry about but i would feel much better if someone knows what they are or why they want to congregate on my plants,

sorry i dont have pics

does any1 have any idea of what theese white spots are??

or how i can get rid of them??

[Greenthing]

Mistaswift This seems to be your problem.
Spider mites are by far the worst pest to have, because they are the hardest to kill and can literally kill any plant. They are by far more active in warmer climates than cold ones, they also suck sup from the leaves leaving tiny white spots on the leaves from where they suck on.

[Wobster]

Check under the leaves with a magnifying glass for mites and eggs. The mites will look black\brown and they are very hard to spot. If you see any small spots..keep youre eye on it for a minute to see if it moves.

The easiest way to check for them is to leave the plant undisturbed so they get a chance to make webs and then spray the plant with water from a fine mister. The water clings to the webs and makes them easier to see. As your plants are in flower... go easy if spraying them to avoid water affecting the buds in a detrimental way (bud rot). I would never reccommend spraying plants that are in flower, only if absolutley necessary or if you want to identify a problem.

You've got many options if it is spidermites but whatever you choose, do it quick because their rate of reproduction is very high and they can devestate ur plant given the chance.

If u have the cash and they are available, I would recommend introducing some natural predators of spidermites. If u can get hold of any ladybirds (ladybugs...whatever), they do a fantastic job of eating the spidermites and do no harm to the plant.

Without pics.. its very hard to be sure of what it is tho so get some pics uploaded.

[NoDrugs4Me]

did you brush the ceiling over them and make that ceiling crap fall on them??

did that once myself...

[Storm Crow]

You got mites! :( Bummer. Lower the temperature if you can- slows them down a little. Part of the problem is some strains of mites are becoming resistant to some sprays. I was lucky and a pyrethrum spray took care of my one infestation mites. Even so the harvest was about 1/2 of what I usually get.

DO NOT PUT OFF FOR EVEN ONE DAY, KILLING THOSE LITTLE MF'ERS! They breed like crazy, and suck the life out of your plants amazingly fast! :cursing: I am pretty easy-going, live and let live....but I make a few exception here and there. Spider mites, fleas, mosquitoes and rattlesnakes are on the exceptions list.

[mistaswift]

YOU ALL are scaring me what do i do!! i dont want the spider things round here? how do i eliminate them

[mistaswift]

i can obtain some ladybugs, ladybugs will take care care of the spidermites??

i really dont want spidermites, or what do you all suggest?

[Greenthing]

=mistaswift;1933032]i can obtain some ladybugs, ladybugs will take care care of the spidermites??Ladybugs will eat them.


i really dont want spidermites, or what do you all suggest?
No one wants spidermites, ladybugs are predators so introduce them into your grow space.:thumbsup:

[Wobster]

In this day and age Im sure you can get hold of a digital camera. Use a phone or borrow one. The symptoms sound very much like spidermites but it is not certain that this is your problem.

Have you seen any evidence of the critters... webs or the critters themselves?

Im only saying incase you waste your time trying to solve a problem with the wrong solution and therefore letting the real problem get worse.

A small amount of searching the net by yourself will turn out a vast amount of info regarding spidermites. Ladybugs are great and have worked for me. There are other natural predators that you can introduce to your grow to take care of them.

Thrips are another critter that could be causing ur problem so I stress once again pics.. pics... PICS. Good luck :hippy:

[Greenthing]

Spidermites, the damage they do is just like thrips, but with spider mites they pierce the surface of the leaves and can show tiny holesor white speckling damage, unlike with thirps they eat the surface of the chlorophyll. You can tell when you have infestation of spider mites , because you will have distorted growth, shortened internodes and petioles.
When you have bad infestation you will see webbing with larva in them.
:jointsmile:

[Greenthing]

Spidermites, what to look for.
CLICKY (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/asgreenasgrass/1134DWC_19-11_spidermites11.jpg)
CLICKY (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/asgreenasgrass/1134Spidermite_speckling21.jpg)
CLICKY (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/asgreenasgrass/1134sukalo_spidermiteseggs1.jpg)

[mistaswift]

i was looking at my plants through a magnafying glass for at least an hour last night. I was unable to spot the spidermites but i really think that they are around , maybe i need a bigger magnafying glass who knows.

the point is im afraid, very afraid. I dont want to take any chances with somthing as deadly as spidermites so i went ahead and got the ladybugs.



*I will put up some pictures in the next few hours & you can be the judge*

[Greenthing]

Thrip damage. photos would be good mistaswift.:thumbsup::stoned:
CLICKY (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o240/asgreenasgrass/1134Thrips21.jpg)

[mistaswift]

take a look at theese , my camera isnt that great..

spidermites, thrips, thrills, out of control flesh eating disease :0 , or none of the above????

[Greenthing]

Mistaswift at the bottom of my post there is a link to Stinkyattics troubleshooting form fill it in and wait for Stinkyattic to get back to you.:thumbsup:

[Wobster]

Take a chill pill lol. We didn't mean 2 scare you. That really doesn't look like spidermites or thrips.. its too uniform. I'd say a neutrient problem but I don't know what. Stinkyattic would sus that straight away.....

[mistaswift]

okay here we go,


Soil= Promix / & potting Mix
adding to soil = little bit of perlite, vermiculite, just a sprinkle of dolomite lime
soil Ph = 6.8 at the moment
water ph= im not 100% on my water Ph, but its filtered from fridge
lighting =seven 42watt cfl as close as i get 2 plants without burning them**
ventilation= twin fan, 2 modes 1 is set to blow in and the other mode sets the other side to blow out, also small fan near the top directing air out
Temp = lights off around 23degreez celsius & with them on around 25-26cels
Humidity= humdity i am unsure of , but the area is fairly small so you can imagine what it would be like,
Ferts = power flower 2-5-4
age = they are all 5 months approx

[Wobster]

Wht do you mean filtered from fridge? That sounds dodgy. Why not use normal tap water?

[mistaswift]

my water from the fridge is the same water that comes out of the tap and really isnt what is contributing to the problem. The only difference is the water being slightly cleaner.

i am noticing more of the white spots now towards the upper leaves though which cant be good.

The other pictures may have been misleading the camera doesnt really show the little white spots everywhere , but im really hoping it isnt spidermites. The ladybugs can figure it out until i can figure whats causing this problem

[Greenthing]

=mistaswift;1934005]my water from the fridge is the same water that comes out of the tap and really isnt what is contributing to the problem. The only difference is the water being slightly cleaner.
What is the temperature of the water out of your fridge, it should be about
23C if it is cold or too hot it will shock the roots.

[Wobster]

Hi again Mistaswift. Im pretty sure it's not spidermites that are causing the damage I can see in your pics. The white spots are on the leaf tip marhins and from your description.. it seems to be moving up your plant from the bottom. Spidermite damage creates a random pattern of tiny white flecks on the leaves where the little bastards have sucked the chlorophyl from the leaf from the underside.

Im no expert and I'm suprised a few of the more experienced growers on here haven't nailed it for you. The symptoms look disttinctive to me but I've never come across them personally.

Ive done some searching and the thing that seems to match ur problem is a Zinc deficiency.
Quote:
ZINC (Zn)
White areas form at leaf tips and between veins. Occurs in alkaline soils. Zn deficiency can be treated by burying galvanized nails in the soil. Chemical fertilizer containing Zn can also be used.

Your soil is ph 6.8 you say... which is not a major issue. A ph of 6.4 may be better but I cant see that bieng the prob. I'm wondering if there is any Zinc in tap water and it is bieng removed by the filtration. Or any other metals for that matter.

We need an emergency 'call stinkyattic' button on these forums. She would get to the bottom of it.

Can u take some more pics that show the 'little white spots everyehere' you mentioned in the last post.

We will get to the bottom of it eventually :rasta:

[Wobster]

It may not be causin any probs but I would switch from the fridge water to tap water for now. It wont do your plants any harm and u never know. Tap water has trace amounts of calcium, sodium and magneium I think and maybe other minerals which are beneficial.... I cant help wondering if the fridge filter is removing some of the micro nutrients u need.

[Greenthing]

Tap water has trace amounts of calcium, sodium and magneium I think and maybe other minerals which are beneficial.... I cant help wondering if the fridge filter is removing some of the micro nutrients u need.
Thats sounds like its worth looking into.
Check your rep Wobster.:jointsmile:

[Wobster]

Thankyou Greenthing... much appriciated :D

[stinkyattic]

Just switch to plain tap water, at about room temperature- it should be refreshingly cool if you stick your hand in it, but not cold. Cold water can cause funky soil chemistry.
That's the strangest symptom I've seen yet. It looks like Zinc lockout, but too white!
Make sure your water is the correct temperature, stop using your Brita or whatever, and only water when the pots feel light.
Next time the soil gets dry, do a runoff test by testing your water pH, then pouring it through the pot and testing what comes out.
Report the results of both tests.
I'm only chiming in now because you described mite damage perfectly, but the pics show something weirder.
FYI, charcoal filters remove particulates and organic compounds, such as chloramine and other disinfectants, but do not remove dissolved ionic substances such as Ca and Mg in any appreciable amount.

[mistaswift]

hmm so a possible zinc defficiency...

i have another question about water while we are on the topic, no matter how hot /cold the water is should i always let it adjust to the temperature in the room? i have been doing that and letting it sit for a couple days before using to evaporate the chlorine etc.

it makes sense that the "filter" may even be removing trace amounts of some of the possibly benificial minerals that may have been needed, so i will switch back to the tap.

so galvanized nails can provide zinc, any other simple solutions such as that?

i have a hydro shop nearby if ther are any products you can suggest i use to provide that little extra bit of zinc, if it contains other benificial nutrients as well that would be nice.

[veggii]

hmm so a possible zinc defficiency...

i have another question about water while we are on the topic, no matter how hot /cold the water is should i always let it adjust to the temperature in the room? i have been doing that and letting it sit for a couple days before using to evaporate the chlorine etc.

it makes sense that the "filter" may even be removing trace amounts of some of the possibly benificial minerals that may have been needed, so i will switch back to the tap.

so galvanized nails can provide zinc, any other simple solutions such as that?

i have a hydro shop nearby if ther are any products you can suggest i use to provide that little extra bit of zinc, if it contains other benificial nutrients as well that would be nice.

try too take better picture of affected leaves you said there is white speckling on leaves or is it just the tips ? and a picture of the whole plant is always good

[Greenthing]

=mistaswift;1934541]hmm so a possible zinc defficiency...


i have another question about water while we are on the topic, no matter how hot /cold the water is should i always let it adjust to the temperature in the room? i have been doing that and letting it sit for a couple days before using to evaporate the chlorine etc.
Yes water should be at room temperature. I use a fish tank heater to get the tap water to the correct temperature then mix up a batch of nutes in a large container two days before I need to use them, In the container I have a large fish tank air stone to keep the mix oxygenated.
I keep a check on the PH and Nute strength and the Temperature and adjust if necessary.

[mistaswift]

ty for the info green,


i will have better pic up soon

[knna]

A pic of the full plant sure will help.

But its a very strange symthom. Those spots are so white...

for sure its not a mayor element lacking. And its rare a micro deff shows first on the bottom. And those that do, dont match with those white spots.

I believe its probably related to have shocked your plants by watering with cold water. But ive never seen that symthom before. So if still continues advancing after using ambient temp water, i think we may think on a rare toxicity.

[Wobster]

You say that you have always let the water stand to adjust to room temp? Am I right? That would rule out shock from watering with cold water.

The bit about Zinc defficiency and galvanised nails. Well, I just lifted this from somwhere else on the net. I dont know how many nails or how to distribute them in the soil and I would be more inclined to get a bottle of micro-nutrients and use very sparingly. The metals should be readily available to the plant in a solution made for plants.

I would be inclined to change nothing but the water you are using for a week. Every day... note down any changes like new spots. See if the problem is slowing down. Most likley the affected area will not repair itself so its new damage and new growth that you want to keep an eye on.

If you add a bit of this and a bit of that and change a bit of the other, you have no way of knowing what sorted the problem. You will likley be growing weed for years to come and I would love to find the cause of this problem because its so damn strange.

Your pic may be featured in posts for years to come if you can pin-point the cause of it.

Don't get dis-heartened because there is a problem... u are learning every day and it will pay you off ten fold further down the line :dance:

[Greenthing]

Here is some help for zinc problems, I cant remember where i got it from but I don't think the helpfull person that wrote it would be offended that I posted it here.

Zinc gets locked out of Hydro and Soil less Mediums at ph levels of 5.7-8.5
Zinc is absorbed best in Hydro and Soil less Mediums at ph levels of 4.0-5.5 (Wouldnâ??t recommend having a ph over 6.5 in hydro and soil less mediums.) Best range for hydro and soil less mediums is 5.0 to 6.0. Anything out of the ranges listed will contribute to a Zinc Deficiency.
Solution to fixing a Zinc deficiency
Any Chemical/Organic nutrients that have potassium in them will fix a Zinc deficiency. (Only mixing at ½ strength when using chemical nutrients or it will cause nutrient burn!)
And any of the following nutrients will fix a zinc deficiency: Zinc sulfate, zinc chelated, or zinc oxides are adequate fertilizer sources for zinc. Or you can bury galvanized nails in the soil. (Make sure you take off the sharp point at the end to prevent roots from being damaged) Garden Manure, which is slow acting. Greensands, Cottonseed Meal are both medium/slow absorption as well.

[mistaswift]

so i need to lower my ph a bit to roughly 6.5?

so for lowering the soil pH are aluminum sulfate and sulfur. These can be found at a garden center it says

and would that correct zince deffincies or should i get the zinc sulphate as well?

[mistaswift]

i mean 6.0 if thats better u think

[hollowcandles]

Here are pictures showing a weeks worth of damage and combat by lady bugs vers Spider mites. another way I believe they are mite are when I sweeze gently the leave between my two fingers a dark green to black streak apears on the bottom finger. I believe this is the squished and feeding mite on the underside of the leaf.

[HymroD]

have 5x clones (Chem Dog) and the bottom bottom leaves show white spots on them...the upper ones look all healthy. What shall I do? Thanks. J.

[HymroD]

so I have identified the 5x clones as being infected with SpiderMites. I am on my 1st cali grow (250w closet, organic soil, van de swann soil a/b) I have 4 nice plants going in 5gals (2x kush from seed, 1x love cheese clone, 1x unknown) and now these 5x damn chem dogs are infected.

I have quarantined them from the garden. Are they a total loss? I have them in like bad-ass 1/2 gal planters with good soil, hydroton top and bottom, is it all infected? Toss the soil? The containers? Plant them at my city park? Are they unsalvageable?

Thanks,

Pe@ce,

HymroD

[HymroD]

Bueller?

Come on now folks...I'm new, closeted, 250w, got 4x babies im gonna post pics I swear some of my plants ,6 inches high with stems like a dime thick.

Ro.

[stra8outtaWeed]

hot shot no pest strips

go get 1 and put in front of a fan and blow air onto the clones and it will kill the mites and anything that hatches :thumbsup:

also neem oil w/some warm water and a drop of dishsoap as a spray will alos help control them!:cool:

[HymroD]

hot shot no pest strips

go get 1 and put in front of a fan and blow air onto the clones and it will kill the mites and anything that hatches :thumbsup:

also neem oil w/some warm water and a drop of dishsoap as a spray will alos help control them!:cool:

Thanks for the reply. I have heard that NPS is toxic? At any rate my plants are in my closet with open door 4 ft from my bed...I think those strips are out.

Where is a good place to get Neem? How much to ad? Do you know?

Thanks again,

Ro

[stra8outtaWeed]

i use a std spray bottle...but once you use it for neem oil it is the neem oil sprayer....typically about 7-10ml/per quart....i use Dutch Master Penetrator to mmix with mine instead of soap but you can use either

spray with neem every 4th or 5th day and mist your plants with plain wter on the other days and that should control your mites

HS NPS active ingredient is dichlorovol and plants do not absorb it ...the warnings are to cover their asses if somebody uses it for breath mints or something:thumbsup:

[HymroD]

Thanks for your help. I have quarantined the clones.

Destroyed everything in the grow closet as far as liner, supports etc.

Now all I have in the beddy is 3x awesome plants. 3 of the big 4 looked

clean of any bugs. THe clones are on day 3 of 20 minute dish liquid + water bath.

They will be put under a 4ft flo and we will see if the neem wi ll work.

Thanks.

Pe@ce,

HymroD

[HymroD]

So I put the clones at a neighbors house...Wasn't worth saving and they are moving to outdoor.

Now for the girls- Friends- I have had 50 year old veteran lot heads tell me my plants are sick. First time indoor Cali grow. 2x Bag seed Kush OG and 1x Love Cheese from clone. VEgged for about 60 days (smiles) naw more like 45.

Player detection in Browser... (http://www.plspictures.com/guest/view/message/large.do?invite=OEMr4bmAzzUet5xL0LpL&fromAddress=8589528379&pageName=enlarge&pictureCount=5&msgNo=0&folderFullName=INBOX&slide=1)

Thoughts?

Pe@ce,


HymoD