TIMOTHY DALY: Dry conditions impact fall leaf colors

The brilliant leaf colors of the fall are one of nature’s most fascinating shows. The mountains of North Georgia and other states are popular destinations for observing spectacular displays of color. However, in recent weeks, the weather has been abnormally warm with little to no rainfall. How will these conditions affect the change in color of fall leaves?

First, we need to discuss why leaves develop the colors in autumn. The cause is several chemical and biological processes caused by the onset of colder weather and shorter days. The leaves contain several chemical pigments, each having different types of colors. Chlorophyll is the most noticeable one since it is the source of the green color in plants. It absorbs sunlight to be used in photosynthesis, which is the conversion of light energy to food substances in the plant. During the growing season, chlorophyll is the pigment present in the highest quantity. In the fall, the plant slows down its production of it, and the other pigments, which have previously been masked by the chlorophyll, begin to become visible. They consist of numerous colors, such as red, orange, purple, and yellow, which gives the leaves their colors.