Fruit trees require a whole range of nutrients. These nutrients come from water, air, and soil. Low levels of micronutrients inhibit plant growth in the garden, preventing them from developing properly. Growth, fruit set, flowering, and fruiting processes are disrupted.
We examine the crown
If something is wrong with a tree, its trunk, roots, and leaves will immediately alert you. Essential micronutrients vital to fruit crops:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- boron;
- magnesium;
- nitrogen;
- copper;
- zinc;
- molybdenum;
- manganese.
You may be interested in:Foliage deformation indicates a potassium deficiency. Water balance is disrupted, and the plant's immunity is weakened. Brown spots appear on the foliage, the edges dry out, and fall off. Plant growth slows, new buds and shoots fail to form, and fruit growth stops. Older leaves are damaged first, and then the process progresses throughout the crown.
The appearance of brown spots on young shoots indicates a calcium deficiency. It regulates metabolism and is essential for root growth. External symptoms include curling, distorted leaves, and gradual leaf fall.
The appearance of yellow spots on the green portion of the crown indicates an iron deficiency. This trace element is involved in photosynthesis, and low levels of it alter the appearance of the foliage. It becomes pale. However, the veins of the leaf blade remain bright green. The disease begins in the upper young shoots. Tree growth continues, but the color of the young growth indicates a problem.
With magnesium deficiency, signs of chlorosis (spotting) appear on the lower leaves. They turn red-orange or yellow, dry out, wrinkle, and curl. This is a consequence of a disruption in the photosynthesis process, which this micronutrient plays a role in.
Molybdenum is a component of enzymes in garden plants and is involved in metabolism. Its deficiency manifests itself as numerous brown spots on the lower leaves. These leaves lose their shape, and their edges curl. Young foliage gradually becomes mottled.
Sometimes a yellowish tint can be observed in the interveinal spaces at the bases of the upper leaves. The veins, however, remain green. This is the result of depleted manganese levels in the soil. Manganese is essential for maintaining chlorophyll levels in plant leaves, fruit ripening, and helping trees resist disease.
You may be interested in:We watch the shoots
The appearance of blue shoots with dull, matte foliage on garden trees and shrubs is a sign of phosphorus deficiency. This element is especially needed during flowering and fruit ripening. It is a natural stimulant for plant development. If growth in the upper part of the crown is slow, only the lateral trunks are elongated, the foliage is deformed (turning light green, curling into tubes, veins darkening and breaking), and inflorescences and fruit are falling off, this indicates low boron levels in the soil. Boron protects fruit crops from bacteria and viruses and promotes vigorous fruit formation.
Nitrogen regulates the water balance of fruit plants, stimulating their development and growth. When it's deficient, young growth develops thin and weak stems, small flowers, and leaves. Green leaves first turn yellow, then brown. This process begins on the lower shoots and gradually spreads throughout the plant. Foliage falls prematurely.
Upward-curling leaves with yellow and brown spots are a clear sign of zinc deficiency. The element is essential for the synthesis of nitrogen, starch, and carbohydrates. The process begins at the bottom and gradually moves upward, where the leaf dies and eventually falls off. New foliage is small and covered with yellow speckles.
You may be interested in:Micronutrient deficiencies in the soil and their insufficient levels in irrigation water can disrupt the normal development of shrubs and fruit trees. It's important to recognize the main signs of a mineral deficiency and understand the potential consequences of its absence, identify the cause, and adjust plant nutrition accordingly.