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Curling of a papaya (Carica papaya) leaf affected by black spot disease, cuased by the plant-pathogenic fungus, Asperisporium caricae.

Curling of a noni (Morinda citrifolia) leaf due to parasitism by green scale insects (Coccus viridis).

Definition

A curl is distoration, puffing, and crinkling of a leaf resulting from unequal growth or destrution die to pest attack.

Etymology. 1447, metathesis of crulle (c.1300), probably from O.E. or from M.Du. krul "curly," from P.Gmc. *krusl-. The game of curling is from 1620; curlicue is from 1844, perhaps from the letter Q.