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

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

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

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

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Archived September 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ "Bacterial Leaf Scorch". Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  3. ↑ Hartman, John. "Bacterial Leaf Scorch - Plant Pathology Fact Sheet" (PDF). University of Kentucky Extension.
  4. ↑ "Bacterial Leaf Scorch - Trees". University of Maryland Extension. Retrieved 2021-01-28.
  5. 1 2 Archived April 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ "Leaf Scorch of Trees and Shrubs" (PDF). Purdue University. 3 September 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2006.
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