Leaf scorch
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Leaf scorch (also called leaf burn, leaf wilt, and sun scorch) is a browning of plant tissues, including leaf margins and tips, and yellowing or darkening of veins which may lead to eventual wilting and abscission of the leaf.[1]
Causes
[edit]Leaf scorch can be caused by soil compaction,[1] transplant shock,[1] nutrient deficiency,[1] nutrient excess, drought,[1] salt toxicity,[1] herbicide injury,[1] and disease injury.[2][3][4]
Treatment
[edit]Affected plants may sometimes recover through watering and fertilization (if the cause is not over-fertilization). Light pruning may also help to reduce the water-pumping load on the roots and xylem.[5]
In the case of leaf scorch through over-fertilization, recovery may take time, requiring a treatment of a slow leaching process through drip irrigation over 24–48 hours.[5][6]
Prevention
[edit]Reversal of symptoms and damage can be enacted through the following cultural practices:[1]
- Pruning sprouts and affected areas
- Avoiding frequent, light waterings which promote unhealthy root systems
- Watering heavily to promote deep root systems
- Avoiding over-fertilization
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h [1] Archived September 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Bacterial Leaf Scorch". Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
- ^ Hartman, John. "Bacterial Leaf Scorch - Plant Pathology Fact Sheet" (PDF). University of Kentucky Extension.
- ^ "Bacterial Leaf Scorch - Trees". University of Maryland Extension. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
- ^ a b [2] Archived April 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Leaf Scorch of Trees and Shrubs" (PDF). Purdue University. 3 September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2006.