What Happened To My Chervil?

Are the seedlings dying and the stems are girdled or rotted at soil line?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Are there any white, cotton-like fungal growths around the stem, parts of the plant above it wither and die?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

If your seedlings are falling over and the stems are girdled or rotted at the soil line, the most likely cause is a damping-off disease. Remove and destroy all infected plants. To prevent damping-off let the soil surface dry between waterings, thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding and do not add nitrogen fertilizers until plants have developed leaves.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

Sclerotinia stem rot (white mold) is a fungal disease that causes these symptoms. Wet weather conditions favor this disease. The disease is usually introduced to non-infected areas by infected seed. Plant only certified seed. If the disease is known to present rotate crops with non-hosts such as cereals.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

If your chervil plants had been eaten or the leaves have been gnawed, the culprits may be animals like deer, groundhogs, or rabbits. If you have a problem with deers use physical barriers. Use a hot pepper wax spray or rabbit repellent to fend off rabbits. The presence of a pet dog or cat often deters groundhogs.