(Question)

Diane Laporte
3:21 PM (7 minutes ago)
to Toronto

Thank you for your response. The vine 1/4 to 1/2 way up with spots light greenish to yellow and the edges of the leaf are darker and curling. I planted it in the ground at least 5 yrs ago and is 6-7ft high with multiple stems. Can’t see any insects, watch when to water. Happened around June last yr and kept going up. Love the hops for privacy and wouldn’t mind a home recipe I could do for this problem.

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners about the problem with your hop vine, and for providing some additional information. It is unfortunate and frustrating when a plant you’ve had for a while suddenly develops issues that are difficult to identify and address.

Without a photo, it is hard to be certain, but it sounds like your problem could be a virus of some kind – there seem to be a number of them that affect the hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.).

Unfortunately, we are not able to recommend home remedies.

However, below are some resources you can consult to help narrow down what is causing the discolouration and curling and — if it is treatable — how to treat it. The OMAFRA site in particular has a 2020 Pest Control Product List.

Good luck; I hope you are able to treat the issue appropriately and save the plant.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/hops.html

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/CropOp/en/herbs/hops/hops.html#:~:text=To%20date%20the%20following%20pests,in%20susceptibility%20to%20major%20pests.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/71516/Hop_insects_and_diseases_ipm_acad.pdf

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/virus_visible_in_michigan_hopyards

http://madisoncountycce.org/agriculture/hops-program/growing-hops-at-home