? dodder on basil - Ask Extension
What should I do with ? Dodder on basil plants(from seed) in my new raised bed? I have never seen anything like this! I will try to attach a photo. S...
Knowledgebase
? dodder on basil #266767
Asked August 01, 2015, 9:43 PM EDT
What should I do with ? Dodder on basil plants(from seed) in my new raised bed? I have never seen anything like this! I will try to attach a photo. Should I pull out the basil plants with the yellow strings on them? How to get rid of them so the dodder doesn't remain in the raised bed or elsewhere? I read that dodder is usually in fields. The soil was all new-bought in bags- half of it was organic. Thank you.
Allegheny County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Check out this link (ignoring Calif.-specific notes.) It gives a good overview of the weed and suggestions for managing. You won't be able to eradicate it - at least not in one go - but you can probably get reasonable control in this limited space with diligence. The most important bit will be to keep it from seeding and spreading to other areas. Unless these are unusual basil varieties, you may want to consider trashing them (follow directions) and starting over, as the dodder has colonized in the basil tissues.
