Brown spots on avocado leaves

Question: I planted this young avocado tree last month and it’s leaves have started browning up.  The tree gets morning sun and afternoon shade.  I can’t seem to find a diagnosis with my own online search.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 11, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT
response: Afternoon, Unfortunately, avocado trees can be quite finicky and troublesome when young.  The type of damage I see on these leaves appears to be Leaf Burn, which is physiological, meaning it is not caused by a virus, bacterium or insects. However, I caution that diagnosis from only two leaves is difficult, so you should examine your tree closely for sunken spots on twigs, brown spots on trunks were twigs or branches connect. Leaf Burn is common when we experience the type of weather, we've been having this past month. High winds, too much rain and cloudy days keeping the foliage wet. It is also common if there is a buildup of sodium in the soil from irrigation. Avocado is one of the most sensitive plants to salts. If your avocado is not planted on high ground, such as a berm, you must assume the roots to be waterlogged. Waterlogged soil is the perfect environment for the awakening of phytophthora or root rot. If the tree is not planted high and you only planted it a month ago, you will benefit by correcting the situation. I am attaching two links that will provide good information for you.  Avocado | Texas Plant Disease Handbook (tamu.edu)  avocados_2015.pdf (tamu.edu) Let us know if you need more information, Deborah FBCMG

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 11, 2023, 5:23 PM EDT
response: Thank you!On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear Wawatoosie, here's the response to your question: Afternoon, Unfortunately, avocado trees can be quite finicky and troublesome when young.  The type of damage I see on these leaves appears to be Leaf Burn, which is physiological, meaning it is not caused by a virus, bacterium or insects. However, I caution that diagnosis from only two leaves is difficult, so you should examine your tree closely for sunken spots on twigs, brown spots on trunks were twigs or branches connect. Leaf Burn is common when we experience the type of weather, we've been having this past month. High winds, too much rain and cloudy days keeping the foliage wet. It is also common if there is a buildup of sodium in the soil from irrigation. Avocado is one of the most sensitive plants to salts. If your avocado is not planted on high ground, such as a berm, you must assume the roots to be waterlogged. Waterlogged soil is the perfect environment for the awakening of phytophthora or root rot. If the tree is not planted high and you only planted it a month ago, you will benefit by correcting the situation. I am attaching two links that will provide good information for you.  Avocado | Texas Plant Disease Handbook (tamu.edu)  avocados_2015.pdf (tamu.edu) Let us know if you need more information, Deborah FBCMG  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0099047  We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.