Dark green curled leaves - Ask Extension
There are dark green curled leaves on some plants in my vegetable garden that I notice last 1-2 weeks. Just on the newest growth. On 3 of 3 plants, Zu...
Knowledgebase
Dark green curled leaves #878226
Asked July 22, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT
There are dark green curled leaves on some plants in my vegetable garden that I notice last 1-2 weeks. Just on the newest growth. On 3 of 3 plants, Zuchinni leaves are dark, thicker, and smaller. 2 of 2 improved early girl tomatoes have new stems with tiny curled dark green leaves, the old leaves are huge and look healthy.
Can you please help? Thanks
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi, thanks for the question.
Looking at the pictures this could be a viral problem, or an herbicide injury problem. If you or neighbors or lawn service did some weed control overspray, drift, or volatilization could be the issue. There is usually a delay of up to two weeks before symptoms are observed. The distance can be up to a mile or more in some situations. Infection by Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) could be suspected. In either case removing the plants and not consuming the produce is suggested. Check out the following links:
Noticing herbicide drift in your garden? | UMN Extension
Chemical Injury to Garden Plants | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)
I hope this helps.
