Iron deficiency is a common problem that affects the health and growth of lemon plants, as it leads to yellowing of the leaves and poor production. This article from the โWORLD OF PLANTSโ website provides a look at the symptoms of iron deficiency in lemon plants and methods of treating and preventing it.
Causes of iron deficiency disease in lemon plants
Iron deficiency is common in calcareous soils, as calcareous soils contain a high percentage of calcium carbonate and have a pH of about 8.3. Iron deficiency can also be attributed to the low concentration of iron in the soil in white sandy areas near lakes. Iron deficiency can occur as a result of High levels of phosphorus or accumulation of heavy metals, especially copper, in the soil.
Symptoms of iron deficiency in lemon plant
Symptoms of deficiency appear on young leaves that appear light yellow to white, with veins that are greener than the rest of the leaf. In the case of severe infection, the size of the leaves decreases and they become very fragile and thin and can fall early. Trees can die severely at the edges, especially at the top. Some trees have a dead top and lower limbs with almost normal leaves. Fruit size is reduced as soluble solids and acidity in the juice decrease. Sometimes only one branch of the tree may be affected, or a few trees in the orchard may yellow.
Development cycle of iron deficiency disease in lemon plants
Iron deficiency sometimes occurs when there are excess salts in the soil, and as the soil alkalinity increases, the iron concentration decreases, which increases the severity of the infection, while iron sulphate may not provide enough iron when applied to acidic or alkaline soil because it quickly turns into iron oxide. .
Suitable conditions for the spread of iron deficiency disease in lemon plants
Iron deficiency is usually associated with high soil alkalinity, but is also associated with excessive irrigation, prolonged wet soil conditions or poor drainage and low soil temperature.
Losses resulting from the spread of iron deficiency in lemon plants
If the infestation is neglected, the size of the tree decreases and fruit production decreases. In severe cases, the entire tree is affected, as it loses part of its leaves and becomes unproductive, which leads to the reactive death of the plant, causing heavy losses in the crop.
Suitable conditions for the spread of iron deficiency disease in lemon plants
- Foliar applications of iron are not recommended due to lack of effectiveness and risk of burning leaves and fruits. Applying iron nutrients directly into the soil is the most effective method.
- Fertilizing the soil with iron depends on the pH of the soil and the age of the plant.
- Adding soil sulfur powder or iron sulfur to increase soil acidity, in addition to applying other fertilizers such as NPK, manganese and zinc.
Preventive measures for iron deficiency in lemon plants
- Avoid planting a lemon tree in alkaline soil with a pH greater than 7.5.
- Avoid using plastic mulch as this will not allow the soil to breathe and will increase infestation.
- Precise control of irrigation and drainage.
- Good soil fertilization.
- Monitoring the crop for early detection of the disease.
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