sunscald: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Essentially, yes. In botanical and gardening contexts, 'sunscald' is the technical term for what is commonly called sunburn in plants, specifically referring to the injury of plant tissues.

Yes. 'Winter sunscald' or 'southwest injury' occurs on cold, sunny days when sunlight warms tree bark, causing cells to become active, which then freeze and die when temperatures drop rapidly at night or when the sun sets.

Sunscald is direct thermal damage from solar radiation. Drought stress is caused by a lack of water, leading to wilting and potentially scorched leaf edges, but the primary cause is different, though the two conditions can coincide.

Use shade cloth for sensitive vegetables, apply white tree guards or reflective paint to young tree trunks, avoid over-pruning which exposes previously shaded bark, and ensure consistent watering to keep plants healthy and less susceptible.

Damage to plant tissue, bark, or fruit caused by intense sunlight and heat.

Sunscald is usually technical / horticultural / gardening / botanical in register.

Sunscald: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌskɔːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌskɔld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.