Leaf Senescence in Plants
Leaf senescence is the name given to the final stage of a leaf’s development. When it happens naturally, it is often associated with the aging of leaves, and it’s vital for the plant’s development and continuity. This process also causes leaves to change color in the fall. It marks the shift between the vegetative stage and the reproductive phase of a plant, and the cells die so the nutrients can be relocated to younger plant parts, mainly their reproductive organs. This happens because, unlike animals, plants constantly renew their organs and recycle the older ones to benefit newer ones. When external factors induce senescence, the plant is triggered by environmental causes and enters a stage of stress. Insufficient improper conditions usually trigger this problem.
