Lines on hostas , not holes

Question: All of my hostas have white lines on them… like a worm of some sort… help! What to do?

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 27, 2023, 6:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you for writing. My first guess is a microsopic worm, hosta nematode.  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/nematodes/hosta-leaf-nematodes https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/nematodes/hosta-leaf-nematodes I am inclined to think this is a very early case. The way it respects the veins is pretty typical.  See my blow up of part of one of your pictures. The attached articles give management ideas

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 28, 2023, 10:09 AM EDT
response: Thank you for getting back to me …I have tons of hostas, so the remedies listed won’t work… I’m so sad … Have you heard of this ?“Growers trust” …Nemotode control? Also read in the fall, cut them to an inch…discard leaves away from here and pour an ammonia solution around the roots? I’m desperate… Sent from my iPhone On Jul 27, 2023, at 5:06 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied July 28, 2023, 11:05 AM EDT
response: Thank you for writing back.   The best discussion of this is from the American Hosta Society http://www.americanhostasociety.org/Education/Nemotodes.htm  This might be a good time to diversify your garden if it is dense with hostas as you imply.  There are other ground covers and perennials that tolerate shade.  In general plants do better if they are not crowded together.  I wish that I could offer more.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 03, 2023, 9:25 AM EDT
response: I had a landscaper come out…. He said it was just hail…. I was scared for awhile … thinking  I’d have to treat nemotodes … he said that’s very rare in Minnesota… Thank God! Sent from my iPhone On Jul 28, 2023, at 10:05 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 03, 2023, 12:44 PM EDT
response: Susan,  I have shared your photos and comments with a group of Master Gardeners that includes our most senior experts. Tell me about the hail. Thank you. I will be back to you in a day or so after I can compile the responses. Thanks for writing back. Steve

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 03, 2023, 2:17 PM EDT
response: Susan,  I have checked with others.  This can be hail damage although nematodes do occur in MN. If the condition progresses a disease is more likely. Given that you have a lot of hosta, you may want to submit a specimen for analysis at the Plant Disease Clinic which can give a definitive answer.  There is a fee for that service.  https://pdc.umn.edu/  You might want to wait a week and see which way things are going. I wish that I had done better by you. Steve

responder: Steve Miles  Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I answer using human intelligence, not AI)  Replied August 06, 2023, 1:30 PM EDT
response: Hi Susan,  An expert wrote in saying that this could be cutworms. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/cutworm-variegated#:~:text=Nearly%20all%20fruits%2C%20vegetables%20and,the%20leaf%20bounded%20by%20veins You might search under the plants, they are hard to find. I am keeping the discussion open. Our entomologist is unconvinced about hail damage.  I will keep you up to date.  Steve

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 06, 2023, 4:16 PM EDT
response: Thanks, but my neighbors have the same thing, but my hostas that were protected ( under my deck) have nothing…. The hostas are now responding and perking up …. New leaves are thriving… Thanks for the response … Sent from my iPhone On Aug 6, 2023, at 12:31 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿