Needle scorch is defined as browning of needles by what?

Needle scorch is defined as browning of needles by what?

• A. The browning of needles by cold air and steam
• B. The browning of needles by hot air and steam
• C. The wilting of needles due to drought
• D. The shedding of needles due to wind

Answer: (B)

Needle scorch happens when needles experience thermal injury from heat, specifically the exposure to hot air and steam in a fire plume. That heat transfer damages the needle tissues, causing the needles to turn brown. This is distinct from drought effects like wilting (which is water deficit causing drooping) or wind-related shedding (physical leaf loss). Cold air and steam wouldn’t cause this browning pattern, so the browning from hot air and steam best fits scorch.

Needle scorch happens when needles experience thermal injury from heat, specifically the exposure to hot air and steam in a fire plume. That heat transfer damages the needle tissues, causing the needles to turn brown. This is distinct from drought effects like wilting (which is water deficit causing drooping) or wind-related shedding (physical leaf loss). Cold air and steam wouldn’t cause this browning pattern, so the browning from hot air and steam best fits scorch.