Poor rooting of cuttings due to cold temperature damage.
Frigid temperatures and frequent snow storms are a challenge during winter months for growers receiving shipments of plugs and cuttings for spring production. Deliveries may be delayed due to snow storms and plants are 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.
