Identification of a "disease" under an okra leaf - Ask Extension
Could you identify or let us know what is occurring on the leaves of this okra plant and if we can or should do anything about it? Thank you.
Knowledgebase
Identification of a "disease" under an okra leaf #633096
Asked May 08, 2020, 2:59 PM EDT
Could you identify or let us know what is occurring on the leaves of this okra plant and if we can or should do anything about it? Thank you.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
The issue with your seedlings could be edema. It could be due to an abiotic problem; physical and non infectious such as watering or nutrients rather than a pathogen. Edema occurs in a number of different plants. It is caused by the plant taking in more water than it can transpire from its leaves - too much water in the soil and high humidity in the environment. Some research questioned the quality of light, but the primary issue is with excess water. The pictures of your leaves show characteristic blisters on the bottom of the leaves and stems.
Try monitoring the amount of moisture in the soil or potting medium to keep it from being too moist and increasing the ventilation in the air around your plants without creating a breeze that would damage the plants. If edema is the issue, your plants should recover quickly.