Curled leaves on dahlias - Ask Extension
a few of our dahlias are exhibiting curling of new growth leaves accompanied by slight yellowing of the leaf. I can see no evidence of aphid activity....
Knowledgebase
Curled leaves on dahlias #269816
Asked August 13, 2015, 10:14 AM EDT
a few of our dahlias are exhibiting curling of new growth leaves accompanied by slight yellowing of the leaf. I can see no evidence of aphid activity. Other possibilities and solutions?
Venango County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Yellowing and leaf curl can mean the presence of a virus. It can also occur from water stress (too much or too little), nutrient deficiency,
Here is a link to Growing Dahlias a publication from Iowa State University Extension. The quote below is taken from that publication.
Virus—Diagnosing a virus problem is often misleading if based on symptoms alone. Plants may show a variety of leaf mottling patterns, necrotic and ring spots, and bubbling or distorted leaves, stem streaking, stunting, and wilting. Infected plants also can be carriers without showing any symptoms. Viruses cannot be controlled with pesticides. Remove infected plants and discard away from the site. Do not add infected plants to compost pile.
Here is a link to Growing Dahlias a publication from Iowa State University Extension. The quote below is taken from that publication.
Virus—Diagnosing a virus problem is often misleading if based on symptoms alone. Plants may show a variety of leaf mottling patterns, necrotic and ring spots, and bubbling or distorted leaves, stem streaking, stunting, and wilting. Infected plants also can be carriers without showing any symptoms. Viruses cannot be controlled with pesticides. Remove infected plants and discard away from the site. Do not add infected plants to compost pile.
