- Wilting
Wilting refers to the loss of rigidity of non-woody parts of
plant s. This occurs when theturgor pressure in non-lignified plant cells falls towardszero , as a result of diminishedwater in the cells. Theprocess of wilting modifies theleaf angle distribution of the plant (orcanopy ) towards more erectophile conditions.Lower water availability may result from:
*drought conditions, where thesoil moisture drops below conditions most favorable for plant functioning;
* highsalinity , which causes water to diffuse from the plant cells and induce shrinkage;
* saturated soil conditions, whereroot s are unable to obtain sufficientoxygen forcellular respiration , and so are unable to transport water into the plant; or
*bacteria orfungi that clog the plant's vascular system.Wilting diminishes the plant's ability to transpire and grow. Permanent wilting leads to
plant death . Symptoms of wilting andblight s resemble one another.In
woody plant s, reduced water availability leads tocavitation of thexylem .Wilting occurs in plants such as
Balsam andtulasi ."'"'
Treatment
"'
Keep the wilted flowers in hot water of about 115-120 F temperature. Do not keep them in hotter water as they may die. Do not keep the flowers which are not wilted in hot water. Fact|date=August 2008
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