Some of the leaves on my plant look wilted and dry. The plant is about 6ft. tall and looks healthy (I think?) except for some leaves, which are dead. I planted it last year but didn't get any cones. Is it ok? Should I do anything to it?
It does look malnourished. Does the soil have enough nutrients? Also, how does the new growth look? Does it get water?
If these pics are any indication, it could be downy mildew. Sounds like it can be a tough cookie if not addressed properly. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/managing_hop_downy_mildew_early_in_the_season_is_critical
I would be extremely surprised if any person viewing that photograph could definitively tell you if or what is wrong there. Is there a college extension near you that has an agricultural program which would include expertise on hop plants? That would be your best bet here. Depending on some BA person looking at a photograph to accurately diagnose this is.... Cheers!
The least the original poster could try is Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and/or potassium (K), the three main plant nutrients, along with some water.
If you say so? I have used zero fertilizer for my hop plants over the past 3-4 years and for me there was no need but... Cheers!
I put some, all purpose flower and vegetable fertilizer, in the container about 3 weeks ago. It has been really rainy here this spring. So I think its watered enough. It does kind of look like the pictures in the link. I'll look into downey mildew.
My thoughts ... as well. I see it every year in my garden. Hard to control DM once you have it. Early and often prevention measures ... such as spray and sanitation ... are key. Copper spray available at Big Box garden departments. GreenCure® is labeled for DM but I haven't had any success with it. DIY spray: (4 tsp baking soda + tsp dish soap) / G Spray top and bottom of leaves & stems until dripping.
First thing is to cut off all infected leaves starting at ground level. Send pic and or sample to your AG extension lab for analysis. Hold off on fertilizer till you get a soil test
I would not assume downy mildew for what is pictured. Have you had hail in your area? Also what signs of pests do you have? I would rate most of the leaf damage to pests or hail. Dry leaves I have seen, but am not sure what causes it. Do you spray with anything to control fungus and pests? I found that over application of some oils can cause what I would call "wax" leaves, where they looked some what like what you have. But I am no expert on this topic (at least not yet). Bust yes, some generic flower fertilize lightly applied would be helpful, but you should test your soil for how it needs to be treated.
No hail that I know of. I noticed a lot of the leaves were chewed by something last year (Japanese beetles?) but I have only seen a few small bugs this year. I lightly sprayed the bugs with a "garden safe" insect killer. I do not use anything to control fungus
If you change your mind here and want to 'manage' Japanese beetles traps are really effective here in my experience:
These traps are great for attracting JPs from your neighbor's yards. You end up with at least 2x as many beetles on the crop you're trying to protect.
Proper deployment of the traps is required. I believe the recommended number (by IPM consultants and other pest specialist in my area) is a minimum of five for a small private garden. One near your corp, then four a good distance away (the corners of your land) to not have everything rush to your garden and eat what is along the way first.
