1. Why Acclimatization Fails
Most failures occur due to:
-
Rapid humidity loss
-
Direct light shock
-
Insufficient root development
-
Infections from non-sterile soil
-
Inability to self-regulate water and gas exchange
Even well-prepared plants can show signs of stress if environmental conditions change too fast.
2. Common Physiological Symptoms
| Symptom | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Wilting | Cuticle too thin to prevent water loss | Increase humidity; vent slowly |
| Leaf burn | Light intensity too high | Move to shaded area |
| Chlorosis | Poor photosynthesis or nutrient uptake | Feed lightly, reduce stress |
| Necrosis | Desiccation or infection | Prune and isolate if needed |
| Abscission | Stress response | Maintain stable RH and temp |
📌 Visual Guide to Acclimatization Issues
3. Rooting and Substrate Issues
Poor adaptation post-transfer can happen if:
-
Agar is not properly removed, promoting rot
-
Roots are trimmed too harshly
-
Medium is waterlogged or nutrient-poor
-
Temperature stress stalls uptake
Solutions:
-
Use gentle rinse, no scrubbing
-
Ensure loose, well-drained potting mix
-
Apply low-strength starter fertilizer after 3–5 days
4. Pathogens and Contamination
Once exposed to open air and soil, plantlets are vulnerable to:
-
Damping-off fungi (e.g., Pythium, Rhizoctonia)
-
Leaf blight
-
Crown and root rot
Prevention:
-
Sanitize trays and tools
-
Avoid overhead watering early on
-
Use biological fungicides or beneficial microbes (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma)
-
Quarantine infected trays
📌 Biocontrol in Plantlet Acclimatization
5. Prevention = Observation + Gradual Change
To reduce stress:
-
Vent domes slowly over 7–10 days
-
Introduce light progressively
-
Avoid sudden temperature swings
-
Check for mold daily
-
Track humidity, temperature, and leaf status
Daily monitoring with a logbook can help identify stressors early.