Marginal Leaf Burning & Marginal Yellowing
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Marginal leaf burning and marginal yellowing occur on cucumbers grown in protected structures. It is associated with excess salt in the soil or soilless media. Excess salt can also cause stunted growth and low yields in other vegetable crops, such as tomatoes.
Marginal leaf yellowing on English cucumber foliage
resulting form excess salt.
(Photo: Shubin Saha, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Properly manage fertility, avoiding over-fertilization.
- Requesting a soluble salts or electroconductivity test on soil samples will provide information on soil salinity.
- Frequent tissue tests can help manage nutrient applications during the growing season.
- Periodically leach soil with fresh water to help remove some excess salt; however, effectiveness will vary based on soil type or soilless media.
- When it is time to replace the cover on the tunnel (approximately every 4-5 years), leave the tunnel uncovered through the winter to allow for weathering and rain to leach salts through the soil profile.
