Yeah I'd say you may have over-did it on the diagnosis as I sure don't see any bacterial canker signs based on the photos. But can always do the stem test to find out for sure. First, symptoms aside, assuming you purchased your seeds from a reputable dealer the odds of infected seed are slim to none. Even traded seeds, if properly fermented and cleaned would be rarely infected. Second, when it comes down to disease vs. unfavorable growing conditions being the cause of symptoms, the odds always favor poor growing conditions as the cause 9 times out of 10. I see some minor leaf miner damage (2nd pic) and the rest appears to just be environmental - windburn, sun scald, some spray drift perhaps, too much water at some point, some nutrient deficiency, salt build up in the soil, etc. are all possibilities. Had any hail or hard rain? Can't comment on the pic with the concrete block in it as can't tell if that is in the ground or a pot or what's with the string. Personally if they were mine I'd just remove all the affected foliage and assuming they are planted properly I re-evaluate my watering and feeding program and monitor the plants for improvement. Then, if your weather has been cool and especially wet this spring as mine has, I'd plan to start a fungicide spraying program ASAP. All that said and knowing that hybrids are just as susceptible to environmental/poor growing conditions damage as open pollinated varieties then hybrids would be the way to go for you if only to increase your confidence in the plants. Consider the following: Rutgers (stabilized old hybrid), Arkansas Traveler, Porter, Celebrity', Big Boy, Homestead as all are proven to do well in your climate. You might also check in with the folks on the Texas Gardening forum for recommendations for varieties. Hope this helps. Dave

My Eiklor 5 burner log set is 21 years old. This year I had a problem with the original propane valve and called Eiklor to purchase a replacement. I also found one of the burners had a hole in it and I broke two logs while taking everything out. Eiklor promptly told me the burners have a "lifetime warranty" and if I shipped them the old one they would rebuild it. After doing so, I got a call that they would be sending me a new burner unit with the gas valve I purchased pre-installed. In addition the logs were covered under warranty too. I bought these logs because they were the most realistic I had seen and 20 years later find the durability and customer service are the best. I don't think you will find a better fireplace set.

Christopherh, I am getting tired of you implying that manufactured homes are inferior to modular homes. Yes, manufactured homes meet HUD federal standards, but modular homes need only meet the state and local building codes, and those vary a lot. The FHA and VA standards only come into play if your purchase is being financed by those agencies. And since I have purchased a home using those agencies before I can assure you that their inspections and requirements are laughably inadequate. My manufactured home has 2x6 walls on 16 inch centers, 2x8 joists, gas-filled double glazed windows, drywall ceilings and walls, and standard house size cabinetry and bathroom fixtures. Well, except my bathtub, which is a standard 5' length but much wider than tubs in most houses. A manufactured home is a modular home set on a steel chassis. The minor differences in code standards matter only in the inspection and permitting processes. If I put my home on a permanent foundation and do the proper paperwork it loses the title of a manufactured home and becomes real property and appreciates in value, just like your modular home.

Parker's Midwest Distributing is located in Paris, MO and are suppliers of vinyl log siding. This might be a more cost-effective alternative to natural wood logs, as natural wood needs to be maintained every few years with sealants. Here is a link that might be useful: Parker's Midwest Distributing