What is the term for sun-induced water injury to plant tissue?

What is the term for sun-induced water injury to plant tissue?

• A. sunscald
• B. translocation
• C. root rot
• D. scarification

Answer: (A)

Sunscald is the term for sun-induced water injury to plant tissue. When sun-warmed bark or fruit surfaces lose water rapidly—especially during winter or early spring when temperatures swing and tissues are dry—the cells can be damaged, leading to pale, corky patches or cracking on the surface. This injury is caused by excessive sun exposure combined with water loss, not by disease or seed treatment. It’s different from translocation, which is the movement of sugars and nutrients within the plant; root rot, which is a fungal disease affecting roots; and scarification, which is a seed-coating treatment to aid germination. Recognizing sunscald helps explain why exposed areas on trunks or fruit may show damage and guides prevention like shading, reflective paint on trunks, or ensuring consistent moisture.

Sunscald is the term for sun-induced water injury to plant tissue. When sun-warmed bark or fruit surfaces lose water rapidly—especially during winter or early spring when temperatures swing and tissues are dry—the cells can be damaged, leading to pale, corky patches or cracking on the surface. This injury is caused by excessive sun exposure combined with water loss, not by disease or seed treatment. It’s different from translocation, which is the movement of sugars and nutrients within the plant; root rot, which is a fungal disease affecting roots; and scarification, which is a seed-coating treatment to aid germination. Recognizing sunscald helps explain why exposed areas on trunks or fruit may show damage and guides prevention like shading, reflective paint on trunks, or ensuring consistent moisture.