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Stunted growth
EnvironmentalMedium impact
Plants are significantly smaller or slower to develop than expected. May be caused by poor soil, nutrient deficiency, root restriction, compaction, pest damage to roots, or disease.
Key facts
- Type
- Environmental
- Active season
- Apr - Aug
- Peak season
- May - Jun
- Vulnerable stages
- Sown · Transplanted · Growing
- If confirmed
- Act soon
Signs & symptoms
- -plants staying noticeably smaller than expected for the time of year
- -reduced or small leaf size
- -slower development than expected given conditions and variety
- -no obvious signs of disease but growth stalled
Management
Do now
- -Check root zone - lift a struggling plant to inspect roots for damage or restriction
- -Assess soil drainage and aeration
- -Feed with a balanced fertiliser if soil is known to be poor
Further reading
- -Stunted growth is a symptom with many causes - soil quality (compaction, drainage, pH, fertility) should be ruled out before suspecting pest or disease