Recent frigid temperatures and frequent snow storms have been a challenge for growers receiving shipments of plugs and cuttings for spring production. Some deliveries have been delayed due to the snow storms and plants have been at risk of arriving chilled or frozen. Symptoms of freezing or chilling damage include water-soaked or translucent leaves and stems. The damage often shows up within a few hours after exposure to warmer temperatures.
When shipments arrive, open packages. If the opened package has a compost-like odor, plants are likely damaged from the cold temperatures and are beginning to decay. Chilling damage may take longer to detect. If chilling injury is suspected, flag specific shipments when putting them on benches.
Contact vendors if shipments are damaged.
Reference
Article with photos: “Chilling Injury on Cuttings: What to look for” by Tom Dudek, Michigan State University Extension
Tina Smith, UMass Extension and Leanne Pundt, UConn Extension
