Download Slide 1

Ethylene
Damage
•Stunting
•Epinasty
•Flower abortion
•Thickening of
stem
•Curling/twisting
ETHYLENE
WHAT?-Colorless odorless gas, damaging at
very low amounts.
WHEN?-Most commonly seen in late winter
when temps are cold and growers reduce venting and
“tighten” greenhouses to reduce energy costs.
WHY?-improperly vented (or not vented) heaters,
cracked heat exchanger, flame poorly adjusted
(incomplete combustion), leaky gas lines, exhaust from
combustion engines.
• Tomatoes are very ethylene sensitive
<.05 ppm
• If blossoms drop or leaves droop, check
the heater!
• Plants will grow out of the injury but may
not fully recover
Oedema
Cold Injury
Water injury