What are the typical signs of herbicide injury to ornamentals?

• A. Uniform growth with lush leaves.
• B. Leaf cupping, bleaching, chlorosis, stunted growth, or necrosis due to drift or root uptake.
• C. Increased flowering and fruit set.
• D. Improved leaf color.

Answer: (B)

Herbicide injury to ornamentals usually shows up as damage and distortion rather than healthy growth. When plants are exposed, the most common telltale signs are leaf cupping or curling, bleaching or whitening of tissues, chlorosis (yellowing from loss of chlorophyll), stunted growth, and necrosis (dead tissue). These symptoms arise because the herbicide may drift onto foliage and damage leaf cells or be absorbed by roots and move through the plant, affecting developing tissues and overall growth. The result is abnormal leaf shape, poor color, and reduced vigor, rather than brighter foliage or more blooms.