Blight?

[aquilotta]

My poppies have been affected by something which decapitates them as if by acid - the point on the stalk at which it's severed (about an inch below the head) is black as if melted, the rest of the stalk & plant is healthy and unaffected. I'm guessing it must be some sort of insect? But don't know how/what: nor what to do about it - I've never seen anything like it. HELP!!!

[Plocket]

I'm no poppy expert but I'd guess that the damage is possibly caused by slugs or snails. Try treating for them and see if that helps. The blackness will probably be caused by the plant trying to repair the damage.