Botanical Methodology
Our approach to diagnostic uncertainty, physiological evidence, and observational horticulture.
1. Diagnostic Uncertainty & Probabilistic Reasoning
In botanical pathology, many symptoms overlap. A yellow leaf may result from overwatering, severe drought, low nitrogen, or natural senescence. Leafstage rejects artificial percentage confidence scores (e.g. "94% sure it's fungal spot"). Instead, our local rule engine outputs multi-faceted hypotheses paired with discriminating observation tests that allow the grower to confirm or rule out causes.
2. Physiological Principles
Our models follow established plant physiology concepts:
- Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD): The driving force behind foliar transpiration and terminal tip browning.
- Root Aeration & Gravitational Drainage: Why perched water tables occur and why containers require unobstructed drain holes.
- Mobile vs. Immobile Nutrients: Explaining why nitrogen deficiency starts on lower leaves, whereas iron chlorosis begins on emergent young buds.
3. Safety & Non-Chemical Protocols
We advocate physical and biological stewardship: isolation of suspected pest vectors, physical water showering, and mild potassium soap before any consideration of synthetic chemical pesticides.
4. Verification & Authoritative References
Specimen profiles cross-reference publications from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), university agricultural extension services (UC Davis, Cornell, Penn State, UF/IFAS), and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for pet toxicity.