Discolored Stalk

[Slothrop]

Hi, guys. I want to know if anyone recognizes this discoloration as something I should be worried about. I noticed this spot last time I checked my plants. I don't know when it started. I think it has something to do with me clipping the big fan leaf a little while ago. It seems to start where I clipped.

The plant only has a couple more weeks or so before harvest time. So I'm hoping that this won't affect it much if at all. The branch that comes out from that spot looks fine; the bud is the same size and health as the ones near it.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[stinkyattic]

What you are looking at is the remainder of the petiole, which is really part of the leaf, and when you clip the leaf, the petiole will die too.
Why are you taking off fan leaves? Leave them so the plant can make itself food!

[Slothrop]

The leaf was pretty far gone. It was an ugly yellow with a few brown spots. That was why I clipped it. You've don't trim any leaves at all, ever?

Is this something I should be worried about? Real issue or just a pecadillo?

[stinkyattic]

Damaged or dying leaves are fine to clip, although if the leaf still has any green on it, the plant DOES take some benefit from stripping it of stored nutrients before it is shed.
I almost never clip leaves. I'll remove entire low, scruffy stems, but not leaves, unless I see that a particular leaf is hosting a whole mess of pests or something.