Herbicide Injury
scouted July 22, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Herbicide Injury
- Background
- A tobacco field, variety GL365, in Wake County was being scouted, and it was observed that 70% of the field was affected by yellowing. This yellowing was widespread but more common in the parts of the field with sandier soil. The plants in the sandy soil were also stunted. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as herbicide injury. The newly emerged leaves were puckered and distorted, with a rough, blistered appearance. In addition, the leaf tips were constricted and malformed, resulting in abnormal leaf expansion. The pattern and distribution of symptoms are consistent with exposure to a growth regulator or other herbicide that affects developing tissues. Environmental conditions, application timing, herbicide drift, or carryover may have contributed to the observed injury. In residential settings, such injury may result from herbicide drift from nearby applications, accidental overspray, sprayer contamination, or, less commonly, herbicide residues in contaminated soil, compost, or mulch.
- Resources