OTHER CAUSES OF PLANT PROBLEMS - LEAVES

A variety of environmental and mechanical factors can cause plant problems. These factors may be the primary cause of the problem, or they may be secondary, placing additional stress on the plant. This weakens the plant's defense system and resistance to plant disease.

Abiotic (non-infectious) factors are usually caused by adverse environmental conditions. Abiotic causes of plant problems may include:

HAIL INJURY
Browning and dying of leaves due to hail damage.
Photo by Plant Disease Clinic
FUNGICIDE BURN
Symptoms may include white spots or abnormally shaped leaves that developed shortly after a chemical spray.
Photo by Plant Disease Clinic
HERBICIDE INJURY
Browning, curling, and dying of leaves.
Photo by Plant Disease Clinic
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY
Yellowing and eventual browning of the leaves due to a nutrient deficiency.
Photo by Chad Behrendt


Animals may cause browning of leaves or premature leaf loss.

DEER BROWSE
Leaves and small stems are chewed off by deer.
Photo by Elizabeth Wiggins


Insects can cause symptoms similar to plant disease. Refer to the following web pages for more information on insects.

University of MN, Department of Entomology
University of MN, Integrated Pest Management



             

This page is maintained by Janna L. Beckerman, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Wiggins

Department of Plant Pathology
495 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
Comments? Email to janna@umn.edu