Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001649
11/12/99
Air pollution
Air pollution can damage sensitive plants growing in
industrial or urban areas. Such injury is widespread and
will be seen on more than one plant or more than one
property.
The symptoms will vary with the type of pollutant and the
severity of the exposure. Air pollution symptoms can
mimic other problems, particularly nutrient deficiency,
pests, water excess or deficiency, and temperature
extremes. This can make diagnosis difficult.
If the suspected source of pollution is a single point
source, look for patterns of injury. The most severe
injury should be downwind from the suspected source.
Unlike pest problems, which normally concentrate on
selected plant species, air pollution will injure many
species in the area.
Chemical analysis of the leaves can detect fluorides or
chlorides. Chronic exposure to sulfur dioxide can lead to
a build-up of sulfur in the leaves. Acute short-term
exposures may not cause a build-up, or the sulfur may be
leached away by rainfall.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
heatley@msue.msu.edu . Please read our
disclaimer for important
information about using our site.