IDENTIFYING PLANT PROBLEMS

Successful identification of plant abnormalities can be accomplished by following a systematic approach. The compilation of as much information relating to the plant, symptoms, and the site is essential to an accurate diagnosis.

• Identify the plant and its characteristic features.
• Examine the entire plant, noting the damage present as well as similarities in symptoms on surrounding plants.
• Is there a general pattern present?

Nonuniform damage may indicate biotic or living factors such as disease or insects. It should be determined whether damage is similar on other plant parts and surrounding plants. Indications of the presence of a pathogen or insect should be identified. Both the upper and lower portions of leaves should be checked for evidence of foliar pests.

Following is a list of general symptoms and possible causes of plant problems.

• Foliar Yellowing and Necrosis. Nutrient deficiency, high-soluble salts, nematodes, root attacking insects, root rot pathogens, phytotoxicity, excessive light.
  
• Foliar Wilting. Systemic plant pathogen (i.e. bacteria, verticillium, etc.), root rot pathogen, high soluble salts, nematodes, root attacking insects, virus infection.
  
• Yellowing of Leaf Tissue (Chlorosis) at Margins. Nutritional deficiency, nutrient toxicity, bacterial infection, phytotoxicity
  
• Damage to growing tips. Nutritional deficiency, phytotoxicity, insect damage, bud mite damage.
  
• Poor Growth. Planted too deep, phytotoxicity, herbicide damage, nutritional imbalance, poor soil type, incorrect site for plant.
  
• Deformed Foliage. Viral infection, phytotoxicity, insect or mite damage, nutritional deficiency.
  
• Foliar Discoloration or Spotting. Phytotoxicity, excess micro-elements, nutritional deficiency, viral infection, foliar nematodes.

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