On the Big Island of Hawaii, heavy volcanic emissions (VOG) have recently covered the Hilo side (East) with a bluish-grey cloud. Discharges include sulfur dioxide, sulfites, ash and hydrochloric acid.
No VOG VOG
Many gardeners, especially those living near the volcanic area, have experienced the distressing effects of VOG on their plants. Sulfur dioxide enters the leaf through the stomata. The degree of injury will depend upon its concentration and duration, and upon the sensitivity of the specific plant. The symptoms of low concentrations of sulfur dioxide are general chlorosis (yellowing) of the plant foliage. Higher concentrations cause a bleaching or browning of tissues between the leaf veins.
There is not much that can be done about the harmful chemicals the volcano churns out. However, as far as the plant is concerned, leaves should be rinsed with adequate water after exposure. Susceptible plants can be grown under cover such as greenhouses, and during periods of intense VOG, valuable plants can be temporarily covered with fabric or plastic.
Different plants have varying degrees of susceptibility to VOG. The following is a list of plants documented to be susceptible to VOG:
Ornamentals - African lily, Oriental lily, cypress, Dutch iris, eucalyptus, ginger, hydrangea, heavenly bamboo, pine, podocarpus, rose and tuberose.
Native plants - koa, naio, pilo, uki, akala.
Vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, daikon, lettuce, Swiss chard, tomato and watercress.
Some of the more resistant plants are asparagus, celery, coffee, corn, and ohia, the ubiquitous native tree.
For a more in depth look at the volcano’s effects on plants with some excellent photographs read, “Volcanic Emissions Injury to Plant Foliage” by Scot Nelson and Kelvin Sewake, UH Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences. The publication can be found on the CTAHR website - http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/Site/Info.aspx
