Pale green to light green colour change normally starts from the leaf tip of older leaves are noticed on deficient plants.
Deficiency causes Delayed flowering
Drying of newly formed suckers
Stems of plants become weak & spindly prone to lodging & falling
Leaf blades become narrower & shorter than normal
Yellowing of leaves progressing upwards
Overall growth of plant is affected
Management
For determining the severity of the deficiency, soil analysis has to be done
Application of quick releasing nitrogen fertilizer like urea, according to the results of the soil test.
Apply urea as a foliar spray (10 gram per litre of water) once every 15 days .
Frequent application of organic growth boosters is also beneficial.
Phosphorus (P)
Symptoms
First noticed in older and lower leaves.
Premature leaf drop.
Purplish or reddish discoloration seen on underside of leaves & along margins
Excessive Dark green/bluish green on leaves
Deficiency makes Stem them thin & brittle
Poorly developed root system
Reduced leaf size.
Sucker production is reduced.
Management
Ensure that recommended amount of fertilizer is applied on regular time.
For determining the severity of the deficiency, soil analysis is to be done
Use fertilizers such as single superphosphate for quick correction or bone meal or rock phosphate for long-term correction.
In the pH range of 6.5-7.5, phosphorus is readily absorbed by the roots.
Addition of biofertilizers including phosphorus solubilizing bacteria along with organic manure helps to increase the availability of phosphorus
Potassium (K)
Symptoms
Yellowing & browning of leaf margins starting from older leaves
Edges of leaves may turn yellow or brown while rest of leaves remains green
Deficient leaves exhibit curling and rolling
Leaves become twisted or deformed
stunted growth of overall plant with Reduced size of shoots & leaves
Stems become weak & less turgid
Early leaf senescence
Drying & shedding of older leaves
Drying starts from tip towards base of plant
Management
In the pH range of above 6, Potassium is readily available.
Maintain pH by addition of lime/dolomite
Improve the soil fertility by adding organic matter and wood ash.
For determining the severity of the deficiency, soil analysis is to be done
Use Muriate of Potash (MOP) according to the results of the soil test. Split application is preferable.
Apply foliar sprays of sulphate of potash (SOP) (10 gm/liter of water) and wetting agents in the morning as an immediate remedy
Calcium (Ca)
Symptoms
Deficiency is seen mainly in growing points, younger leaves and developing fruits.
Puckered, curling & distorted leaves are noticed on deficient plants.
Stems become weaken & less turgid
Stunted growth of overall plant with reduced branching of roots
Stem thickens and shows a bulb like growth.
Poor capsule development
Areal shoots are not produced
Management
Analysis of pH in the soil
If the soil is acidic (3.5-4.5) , add 3.4 kg of lime per cent in two split doses
In the areas of moderate acidity (pH between 5.5-6 apply 1 kg lime per cent).
High phosphorus levels leads to calcium deficiency
In alkaline soil application of Gypsum is preferable
Magnesium (Mg)
Symptoms
Chlorosis appears yellow spots on leaves which progress and discover entire leaf surface
Leaves exhibit curling or rolling
Distorted leaf shape
Necrotic patches or brown areas between the veins
Necrosis Start form leaf tip & edges and spread inwards
Stunted growth
Poor fruit set & uneven fruit production
Susceptible to environmental stresses
Delayed in flowering
Commonly observed symptoms in nursery are white papery spots on leaf lamina.
Sucker production is inhibited.
Plant appears broom like appearance
Sucker production is inhibited.
Management
Do the soil analysis and confirm the deficiency.
Addition of Magnesium sulphate (320 gram /cent or 32 kg/ acre) in bands near plants.
Long-term usage of dolomite will reduce magnesium deficiency
Magnesium and potassium fertilizers should not be applied together.
Sulphur(S)
Symptoms
Symptoms First appear in the upper and younger leaves.
Chlorosis appear as light green or yellowish patches progress & cover entire leaf surface
Plant exhibits stunted & reduced growth.
May lack normal vigour & appears less turgid
Reduction in aroma & flavor Growing leaf becomes whitish in colour. Necrosis starts from the tip of plant.
Management
Application of sulfur-containing fertilisers, such as Factamfos, Ammonium sulphate, Single superphosphate, etc., reduces the deficiency.
In sulphur deficient soils , apply sulphur dust (100 gram per cent or 10 kilogrammes per acre).
Deficiency in alkaline soil can be reduced by application of gypsum
Addition of organic material improves sulphur availability in the soil.
Burning of organic waste leads to sulphur deficiency
Boron (B)
Symptoms
Deficiency is seen mainly in growing points, younger leaves and developing fruits.
Deformed & Brittled leaves are seen
Die back of shoots
Decrease in flower production & fruit set
Reduction in leaf size and cracking of leaf lamina
Hollow or empty capsules
Corky or cracking of stems
Management
Analysis of soil to confirm the deficiency.
Application of borax (40 gram /cent or 4 kg/ acre) into the soil
Addition of borax (1 gram / liter of water) as foliar spray .
Avoid the combined application of Boron and calcium.
Application of borax with ammonium fertilizers should be avoided.
Zinc (Zn)
Symptoms
Interveinal chlorosis starts from base to tip of leaf
Compact appearance
Malformed or distorted fruit capsules
Stunted growth of overall plant
Poor fruit set
Management
The optimal pH range for zinc availability is 5 to 7.5.
Confirm deficiencies by doing soil testing.
Apply zinc sulphate to deficient soils (800 g /cent or 8 kg/ acre)
Avoid the application of Zinc and phosphate fertilizers at the same time
In severe cases, foliar spraying of Zinc sulphate (2 gram/liter of water) with Calcium carbonate (2.5 gram/liter of water) can be advocated in morning hours.
