White spots on Impatiens' leaf tops - Ask Extension
Good morning,I have been experiencing small individual white spots on the leaf tops of my impatiens. All impatiens, whether in individual pots or se...
Knowledgebase
White spots on Impatiens' leaf tops #145997
Asked August 08, 2013, 10:27 AM EDT
Good morning,
I have been experiencing small individual white spots on the leaf tops of my impatiens. All impatiens, whether in individual pots or separate planting beds, front or back yard. Foliage was looking good but flowers were sparse. I had been using Miracle Grow but then used a small amount of "color star" fertilizer.
In about a week, flowers starting producing but soon after (about another week) most flowers dropped and the white spots appeared. The spots seem to be only on the top of the leaf. Some plants are getting "leggy" now. Some are still holding onto their leaves and flowers. I have sprayed with systemic spray thinking in might be scale or other insects. No change. I am attaching photos as well. One other note, I experienced this same issue last year.
I have been experiencing small individual white spots on the leaf tops of my impatiens. All impatiens, whether in individual pots or separate planting beds, front or back yard. Foliage was looking good but flowers were sparse. I had been using Miracle Grow but then used a small amount of "color star" fertilizer.
In about a week, flowers starting producing but soon after (about another week) most flowers dropped and the white spots appeared. The spots seem to be only on the top of the leaf. Some plants are getting "leggy" now. Some are still holding onto their leaves and flowers. I have sprayed with systemic spray thinking in might be scale or other insects. No change. I am attaching photos as well. One other note, I experienced this same issue last year.
Tarrant County Texas
Expert Response
The spots (damage) and patterns makes me suspicious of abiotic reason. It is possible that this damage is caused by the fertilization. These "burns" can occur when fertilizer is sprayed on hot days. Or was there other products used at the approximate time prior to these symptoms appearing? Products such as cleaners, fence stains, water from swimming pool, irrigation water (has happened when city water switches to using primarily well sources).
From the photos, it does not appear to be due to a pathogenic cause. Additionally, new growth appears to be normal. I would suggest care in watering and fertilizing - prevent/reduce splashing by applying close to the soil surface. Then monitor the new growth - In the absence of the damage factor, new growth should appear normal.
If damage continues to occur, I would suggest for you to consider submitting a sample for diagnosis to a plant disease diagnostic clinic. For those services in TX, you can check out the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab at Texas A&M (http://plantclinic.tamu.edu)
From the photos, it does not appear to be due to a pathogenic cause. Additionally, new growth appears to be normal. I would suggest care in watering and fertilizing - prevent/reduce splashing by applying close to the soil surface. Then monitor the new growth - In the absence of the damage factor, new growth should appear normal.
If damage continues to occur, I would suggest for you to consider submitting a sample for diagnosis to a plant disease diagnostic clinic. For those services in TX, you can check out the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab at Texas A&M (http://plantclinic.tamu.edu)
