i am sorry, i have not been totally clear. last round, i had the same damagae, and i THOUGHT they had been attacked by a rodent. now that i have fresh new babes (less than two weeks old) i can see similar damage starting already on the fresh stems. this is NOT a result of a physical attack, though the appearance is similar. i will do my best to upload some photos tonight.
there is no foul smell. root development is normal, and, honestly, no other indications of ill health. it is completely mysterious to me. i am intimate with powdery mildew, and this is not it. i am at a loss. again, i will do my best to get some photos up tonight, and again, thank you all for your participation in my salvation.

- mu