Leaf scorch
Leaf 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.
Causes
Leaf scorch can be caused by soil compaction, transplant shock, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, drought, salt toxicity, herbicide injury, and disease injury.Treatment
Affected plants may sometimes recover through watering and fertilization. Light pruning may also help to reduce the water-pumping load on the roots and xylem.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.
Prevention
Reversal of symptoms and damage can be enacted through the following cultural practices:- Pruning sprouts and affected areas
- Avoiding frequent, light waterings which promote unhealthy root systems
- Watering heavily to promote deep root systems
- Avoiding over-fertilization