What is one symptom of herbicide injury in ornamentals?

Leaf chlorosis is a key symptom of herbicide injury in ornamentals. This condition refers to the yellowing of leaves, which occurs when plants are exposed to certain herbicides, especially those that disrupt the photosynthesis process. Herbicides can interfere with the production of chlorophyll, the green pigment critical for photosynthesis, leading to a noticeable change in leaf color.

When herbicides enter the plant through various means, such as foliar application or root uptake, they can cause physiological disturbances that result in chlorosis. This symptom is particularly important for growers to recognize, as it can indicate that a plant has been adversely affected by an herbicide, which may help in making management decisions regarding plant health and future applications of chemicals.

In contrast, delayed germination, root expansion, and enhanced growth are not typical symptoms associated with herbicide injury in ornamentals. Delayed germination refers to the slow sprouting of seeds and is more related to environmental factors rather than herbicide damage. Root expansion usually indicates healthy growth when a plant is properly nurtured, and enhanced growth signifies a positive response to environmental conditions or fertilization, none of which are associated with the negative impacts of herbicide exposure.