What happens to a plant at first frost?

- Ice crystals form within plant cells, disrupting their structure and function.

- Cell membranes become leaky, leading to loss of cell contents and dehydration.

- Enzymes and proteins denature, impairing metabolic processes.

2. Wilting

- As cells lose water, tissues become flaccid and wilt.

- Stems and leaves droop, losing their rigidity.

3. Discoloration

- Chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis, breaks down.

- Leaves turn yellow, orange, or brown as other pigments become more prominent.

4. Leaf Drop

- The plant sheds its leaves to reduce water loss and conserve energy.

- Deciduous trees and shrubs lose all their leaves, while evergreen plants may retain some.

5. Bud Dormancy

- Meristematic tissues, where new growth occurs, enter dormancy to protect themselves from further damage.

- Buds remain inactive until conditions improve.

6. Root Damage

- Frost can penetrate the ground and damage roots, especially in shallow-rooted plants.

- Damaged roots can no longer absorb water and nutrients, leading to further decline of the plant.

7. Death

- Severe frost can kill the entire plant, especially if the damage is extensive and occurs before the plant has had time to acclimate.