Focus on a major problem with citrus fruits: iron deficiency

DESCRIPTION:

Iron deficiency, or ferric chlorosis, is a serious physiological disorder in plants caused by a low level of available iron in the soil. While total iron is often abundant in soils, its uptake by plants can be blocked by certain factors.

FAVORABLE FACTORS:

• High levels of Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese
• Alkaline soils (with high pH)
• Poorly drained, waterlogged soils
• Soils poor in organic matter

ROLE OF IRON:

Iron is involved in respiration, chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, nitrogen fixation …

SYMPTOMS:

Young leaves become pale green see yellow or whitish. In case of acute deficiency, leaves fall prematurely.

IMPACTS AND DAMAGES :

Impaired growth and production;

PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF DEFICIENCIES:

• Choice of soil suitable for the requirements of cultivated plants
• Control of soil pH and supply of organic matter (manure, compost, etc.)
• Adequate irrigation (avoid stress and suffocation)
• Supply of chelated iron to the soil (iron protected from oxidation, therefore available to the plant)