Okra
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium Deficiency
Deficiency
In a Nutshell
- Pale green spots or yellowing of leaves - start from margin.
- Main leaf veins remain green.
- Reddish or brown spots on leaf appear after.
- Dry leaf tissue dies off.
Okra
Symptoms
Magnesium-deficient plants generally develop a mottled pale green or chlorotic pattern in the interveinal tissue of older leaves, often starting near the margin. In cereal, leaves with mild deficiencies develop a green linear beading that progresses to interveinal chlorosis. In severe cases, the yellowing progresses to the middle of the leaf and the small veins also become affected. Reddish or brown spots appear on the leaf blade. Later on, the development of necrotic areas in the highly chlorotic tissue gives the leaves a rugged and deformed aspect. Finally, the yellowing engulfs the whole leaf, eventually leading to premature death and early shedding. Root growth is inhibited, resulting in poor plant vigor.
Recommendations
Organic Control
Apply substances that contain magnesium such as algal limestone, dolomite or limestone magnesium. Use manure, organic mulches or compost to balance the soil nutrient content. They contain organic matter and many nutrients that are released slowly into the soil.
Chemical Control
- Use fertilizers containing magnesium (Mg).
- Examples: magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate (MgSO4).
- Consult your agricultural advisor to know the best product and dosage for your soil and crop.
Further recommendations:
- It is recommended to do a soil test before the start of the cropping season to optimize your crop production.
- Magnesium can be applied directly to the soil or with foliar sprays.
What caused it?
Magnesium deficiency is a common problem in light, sandy, or acidic soils with low nutrient and water retention capacity. In those soils, nutrients can be easily leached away. Soils rich in potassium or ammonium or the excess application of these nutrients can also be problematic because they compete with magnesium in the soil. Magnesium is involved in sugar transport and is an important part of the chlorophyll molecules. Without sufficient amounts of magnesium, the plants begin to degrade the chlorophyll in the older leaves to transfer it to the newer developing ones. This explains the development of interveinal chlorosis. Light intensity influences the development of the symptoms. High light worsens the effects of a deficiency.
Preventive Measures
- Check the pH of the soil and lime if necessary to get the optimal range.
- Plan a good drainage of fields and do not overwater the crop.
- Do not over fertilize with potash.
- Use organic mulch to keep soil moisture stable.
Share
Download Plantix
