January 6, 2001
Question: Now that we’ve had several burst of cold weather, can you tell us what to expect from plants, insects and diseases in the garden?
- R. Black, Cape Coral
Answer: Our current spat of cool weather will result in some predictable landscape outcomes. Here are some expected reactions by lawn and ornamental plants due to lower than normal seasonal temperatures:
1. Iron deficiency in St. Augustinegrass lawn will become apparent in April and May. Iron deficiency is symptomized by yellow streaks in lawn.
2. Manganese deficiency in coconut palms may become evidence in late spring and summer. Manganese deficiency shows up as ‘frizzle top’ of new leaves.
3. Insect problems, especially that of aphids, citrus leafminers and whiteflies, should be delayed by several weeks.
4. St. Augustinegrass will have a slower recovery this year.
5. Incidence of powdery mildew will increase. Watch for this white fungal disease on rose, copperleaf, zinnia, crepe myrtle, vegetable crops and a host of other plants.
6. Delayed ripening of tomatoes, peppers, beans and other vegetable crops.
7. Yellowing and leaf drop of hibiscus, ixoras and other cold sensitive plants.
8. Loss of unopened flower buds of hibiscus.
9. Decline or dieback of some cold sensitive vegetable and ornamental plants.
- Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension. To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461- 7504 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or via e-mail at shb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show" at 8 a.m. on 1200-AM WINK/WNOG.