november 2020
Although soil moisture levels have recently improved, the prolonged periods of drought often result in damage to roots, particularly root hairs, which is the primary root tissue by which plants absorb water. Damage to root hairs reduces the ability for plants to take up water even if soil moisture is adequate.
Plants suffering from drought stress before winter are more susceptible to winter injury. The increased injury is a result of the plant’s inability to grow faster than the rate of damage, due to the lack of water. Also, many beneficial insects, such as predatory mites, slow or cease foraging activity under these conditions.
An anti-transpirant spray for all your plant material at this time of year can be very helpful for your plants. This spray coats the leaves of the plant and forms a colorless film on the leaf surface to help inhibit water loss. This also allows the plant to retain moisture over the winter months.
