Salt Damage
Excess sodium chloride
42 host plants
Last updated
Salt damage appears as leaf burn and dieback on plants exposed to salt accumulation or salt spray. Leach soils with fresh water to reduce salts. Choose salt-tolerant species for exposed areas. Maintain good drainage and monitor for continued damage. Salt damage is particularly problematic near roads, walkways, and areas with poor drainage. Leaching and proper species selection help manage this.
Cultural management is your first line: remove infected material, clean up debris, and improve the growing environment to make conditions less favorable for the pathogen. Avoid wounding plants during maintenance, as many pathogens enter through fresh cuts. Chemical options are available for severe cases, but they work best as preventive treatments applied before symptoms appear.