Stress Response

A stress response is a set of changes that occur in a plant in response to adverse environmental conditions. Stress can be caused by, among other things, drought, flooding, high or low temperatures, nutrient deficiencies, and mechanical damage. Symptoms include stunted growth, leaf curling, flower drop, and reduced yield. The effects of stress depend on its type, intensity, duration, and the plant’s stage of development. Even a brief but severe episode of stress can cause permanent damage, whereas a plant often recovers after a mild episode. First, remove or reduce the source of stress, stabilize watering and temperature, and only then assess the need for fertilization or other treatments.