O-zone Injury on Vegetables
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
August 22, 2012
Hot, humid weather with stagnant air masses may lead to ozone damage on crops. Ozone warnings were recently issued for much of New York. These warnings are intended for people with respiratory problems and let them know they should limit their outdoor activity and try to stay as much as possible in air-conditioned locations. These warning are also a good indicator that ozone damage may occur in plants.
Common ozone symptoms are small, irregular, shaped spots that range in color from dark brown to black (stipple like) or light tan to white (fleck like). These spots are found only on the upper surface of the leaf. Very young and old leaves are less susceptible to ozone while newly mature leaves are the most susceptible. With severe damage, symptoms may extend to the lower leaf surface.
Insect feeding (red spider mite and some leafhoppers) produce flecks on the upper surface of leaves, much like ozone injury. Flecks from insect feeding are usually spread uniformly over the leaf surface while ozone flecks are concentrated in specific areas, usually most pronounced at the leaf tip and along the margins.
The most sensitive crops include: Bean, Broccoli, Muskmelon, Onion, Potato, Radish, Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomato
Intermediate crops include: Carrot, Endive, Parsley, Parsnip, Turnip
Tolerant crops include: Beet, Cucumber, Lettuce
Upcoming Events
Asparagus Variety Trial Open House
May 23, 2024
Batavia, NY
Come see 10 varieties of asparagus! The trial includes new releases, purple, frost avoidant, and expanded disease-resistant varieties. Compare the performance of asparagus planted from home-raised seedlings vs crowns. Participate in a weed control discussion and pick the brains of growers and industry reps!
Indoor Mushroom Cultivation, Post-Harvest Handling, and Food Safety
June 6, 2024
Buffalo, NY
This workshop is intended for mushroom producers and those considering mushroom production. Hosted by CCE Wyoming County, the workshop includes a tour and discussion of Flat #12 Mushrooms production process, from substrate to sales, including their food safety plan creation, implementation, and the audit process. Alternative production methods will also be discussed.