Question
QUESTION: Tip of majority of my 500 Loquat seedling are turning brown and seems like they are having some problem! there are some with healthy leaves maybe 10% can you help me please?



ANSWER: Hi Brian,
Thanx for your question.  Please provide the following information.

In what type of environement are the seedlings growing?
Temperatures?
Covered?
How old are the seedlings?
Have you fertilized?
What kind of light are the seedlings getting?
How often are you watering and does the water drain?
Where did you get the seeds?
thx,
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom, Thank you very much for responding

1- I started them inside with temp. of 78F after about one week moved them to my office warehouse temp during sunny days up to maybe 95F, planted the seeds in small size plastic cups wit a 3/8" hole drilled hole at the bottom.

2- seeds are fresh seedlings are 3 weeks old now

3- no fertilizer, I planted the seeds in scott potting soil with some added peat moss

4-some natural light during the day

5- i water them as i check the dampness maybe every 3 days, there seems to be some drainage problem in some cases i notice the soil is very wet specially the one that i didn't add peat moss.

6- i bought the seeds from Ebay, as i mentioned some of them are looking very healthy, i keep some at home in in more controlled temp. having almost the same problem!

Thank you very much for any info. I you can give me the correct processes then I can find out what I did wrong, I have 500 more seeds that i would like to start as soon as I can find out how to plant them right, i have a lot of acreage here in middle Georgia that I like to plant them!

Thank you,

Brian

Answer
Hi Brian,
Thanx for the additional information.  The temp of 95 is too high for seedlings.  Actually, after germination, it helps to cool them down a bit for a while.  Higher temperatures cause seedlings to grow to quickly.  Starting the seedlings at 78 F was ok.  After the seeds germinate, reduce heat to about 68 or 70F.  Seedlings need natural light (direct) or lights suspended 8 inches above them.  The soil is too wet but should not be allowed to get bone dry.  Soggy soil will cause leaves to get brown edges and eventually result in root rot and death.  Plant seedlings in well draining pots so that roots don't stay soggy.  After seedlings have reached a manageable size, gently prick them out and pot in separate pots.  Take them outside and place them in the shade for about 10 days and then plant in full sun.  I assume you are trying to create a loquat orchard.  Have you contacted the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service?  They should be able to provide you with some excellent information for starting your orchard.  In Kansas, I often use the Kansas State University Extension Service.  Most of the information is free and you can consult with horticultural and agricultural agents in your own county.  Here's a link.

http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/   I hope this helps.

Tom