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HT214 Guides to Nutrient Deficiency in Plants
Matches these 2015 National AFNR Career Cluster Content Standards:
CRP.02.02, CRP.04.02, PS.01.03, PS.03.02.
Common Core State Standards:
Reading #1 and 7, Writing #7 and 9, Speaking & Listening #2 and Language #4 and 6. Click
for CCSS details.

MAIN IDEA: What are the signs of nutrient deficiency in greenhouse plants?

A successful greenhouse producer keeps a watchful eye over plants being grown.
Healthy, vigorous, uniform growth is the reward of a successful program. It tells the
grower that plant nutrition is adequate and well-balanced.

When growth is not optimum, the grower will know that a correction is needed. The
grower must then make a correct diagnosis to decide what to do. The growers who have
learned to recognize the symptoms of various deficiencies will be able to fine-tune their
plant nutrition program and minimize stress on plants.

LEARNING DIAGNOSTIC SKILLS

Making an accurate diagnosis is not easy. It requires knowledge, skill and experience.
The symptoms expressed often depend on the species of plant grown, the stage of
growth and other factors. Therefore, a grower must be familiar with nutritional deficiencies on a crop-by-crop basis.

Experience is a good teacher. A grower can improve his or her skills by keeping a record of symptoms seen, corrective actions taken and
results noted. It can also be useful to photograph deficient plants and make the pictures a part of the record. Then, when the same
symptoms are seen again, the grower will be better able to decide how the deficiency can be corrected. By keeping records, a grower
can:

Repeat treatments that have been successful.

Discard treatments that have not been successful.

Even with experience, correctly identifying deficiency symptoms requires a great deal of judgment. Diagnosis must be done with great
care.

GUIDES TO DEFICIENCIES

The following provide some general guides which can be helpful when beginning to learn how to read the signs of nutrition deficiency in
greenhouse plants. You can see some example photographs in the PowerPoint for this lesson and in websites listed under Internet
Resources.

Nitrogen (N):

Nitrogen is vital to plant development because it is a major component of chlorophyll. Nitrogen allows plants to use sunlight to produce
sugars from water and carbon dioxide. Nitrogen is also vital because it is a major part of amino acids, which are the building blocks in the
plant. In general, Nitrogen is important for vegetative growth and overall plant health.

A nitrogen deficiency will produce restricted growth of tops and roots, and especially lateral shoots (those coming from the side of a
stem). Plants deficient in nitrogen become spindly and the entire plant turns light green to yellow, a condition called chlorosis. It includes a
yellowing of older leaves which proceeds toward younger leaves. Older leaves defoliate early, causing slow growth and stunted plants. If

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nitrogen deficiency is severe, necrosis (tissue death) will occur. Necrosis starts at the older leaves, in a V-pattern down the midrib of the
leaf. Nitrogen deficiency is made worse by fast-growing crops, very high or low pH values, large amounts of recent water such as rainfall,
and light or sandy soils.

Phosphorus (P):

Phosphorus is vital to plant development because it helps to maintain healthy roots and aids in flowering. Phosphorus is used more
during blooming and seedset. Vegetables and fruit crops are heavy phosphorus-demanding crops.

A deficiency of phosphorus will produce restricted, spindly growth similar to that of nitrogen deficiency. Leaves often turn a dull dark green
to bluish-green with purpling of petioles and the veins on the underside of younger leaves. With nitrogen deficiency, younger leaves may
be yellowish-green with purple veins; with P deficiency, they are darker green. Otherwise, N and P deficiency symptoms are very much
alike. Phosphorus deficiency is made worse by a pH above 7.0 or below 5.5, cold conditions, soils high in clay, plants with a poor root
system, and soil high in aluminum (Al) or iron (Fe).

Potassium (K):

Potassium, sometimes called potash, is important to the general health of the plants. It is key in the formation of chlorophyll and has been
known to assist in disease resistance.

A potassium deficiency will start with a yellowing (chlorosis) between the veins of older leaves. Dead or dying (necrotic) spots or
scorching will begin to appear and progress inward and also upward toward younger leaves as the deficiency becomes more severe. It is
commonly difficult to detect early symptoms of potassium deficiency. Plants will be more vulnerable to disease, pests and nematodes.
There is decreased size, shape, color, taste and shelf life of fruit and vegetables. A potassium deficiency is made worse by low pH soils,
and soils high in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).

Calcium (Ca):

Calcium is important to the plant's ability to grow and develop. It has a regulating effect in the cells and contributes to the stability of the
plant.

Deficiency symptoms will vary from slight yellowing to brown or black scorching of new leaf tips. Growing points may also die back. The
scorched and die-back portion of tissue is very slow to dry so that it does not crumble easily. Plants may shed blossoms and buds
prematurely. Blossom-end rot in tomatoes is a common sign of calcium deficiency. Leaves will appear deformed if the deficiency is severe
and there will be poor root growth.

Calcium deficiency can be confused with boron deficiency. Both cause a scorching of new leaf tips and die-back of growing points. The
difference is that boron deficiency promotes the growth of lateral shoots and short internodes. A calcium deficiency does not.

Magnesium (Mg):

Excess potassium, usually due to fertilizer components, can further aggravate a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium has an important role
in the plant because it forms the central atom of chlorophyll.

Yellow mottling or marbling between veins of older leaves is a sign of magnesium deficiency. This mottling proceeds toward the younger
leaves as the deficiency becomes more severe. These yellow patches usually occur toward the center of the leaf, with the margins
(outside leaf edges) being the last to turn yellow. In some crops, the yellow patches are followed by dead spots or patches and marginal
scorching of the leaves. Magnesium deficiency may also give the leaves a striped appearance.

Sulfur (S):

Sulfur is necessary for the plant to form chlorophyll. It aids in growth, disease resistance and in seed formation.

Symptoms of a lack of sulfur resemble those indicating a nitrogen deficiency. Younger leaves become yellowish-green and the stems
become thin, hard and woody. Some plants show colorful orange and red tints rather than yellowing. The stems, although hard and
woody, increase in length but not in diameter.

Iron (Fe):

Iron is essential in the formation of chlorophyll in the plant. It is also responsible for some enzyme functions within the plant.

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Iron deficiency symptoms start with yellowish mottling between the veins of immature leaves. In severe cases, the new leaves become
completely lacking in chlorophyll. There will be few or no necrotic spots as seen in a potassium deficiency. The yellow mottling on
immature leaves may start first near the bases of the leaflets so that in effect the middle of the leaf appears to have a yellow streak. Some
severe iron deficiencies can cause leaves to turn completely yellow or almost white. Poorly aerated or highly compacted soil, cool wet
weather, and high soil pH can make things worse.

Manganese (Mn):

Manganese has similar roles in the plant as iron does, helping mostly with photosynthesis.

Deficiency symptoms are similar to those for iron deficiency. They start with yellowish mottling of immature leaves. Unlike an iron
deficiency, a manganese deficiency will produce necrotic spots on leaf tissue between veins. In addition, the blossom buds on fruiting
plants often do not fully develop and turn yellow or abort. As the deficiency becomes more severe, the new growth becomes completely
yellow.

High pH soils which may result from an imbalance with other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and iron, can make Mn deficiencies
worse. Also, soils high in organic matter, prolonged cool spring weather and waterlogged soils can play a role.

Zinc (Zn):

Zinc is important in the plant's enzyme and protein processes, such as growth hormone production and internode elongation.

Deficiency symptoms are similar to those for iron and manganese. The main difference is that a zinc deficiency results in the
development of exceptionally small leaves. However, when zinc deficiency starts suddenly, such as when the zinc is left out of the nutrient
solution, the chlorosis can appear identical to that of iron and manganese without the little leaves. In some plants, the chlorosis first
appears between the veins on the older leaves. In other plants, it appears on the immature leaves. It eventually affects the growing points
of all plants. High soil pH, high levels of phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe), poor root growth, and prolonged cold, wet springs can make this
deficiency worse.

Boron (B):

Boron deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency seen around the world. Boron affects vegetative and reproductive plant
processes. When boron is deficient, the results are plant fertility issues, death of the meristem and inhibition of cell expansion.

Deficiency symptoms range from slight chlorosis to brown or black scorching of new leaf tips and die-back of the growing points. These
symptoms are similar to calcium deficiency. Also, the brown and black die-back tissue is very slow to dry so that it cannot be crumbled
easily. Both the pith and epidermis of stems may be affected, as exhibited by hollow stems to roughened and cracked stems.

The plant is commonly stunted by reducing cell wall extension at the growing point. They will sometimes not flower as much or will have
soft or necrotic spots in the fruits and tubers. Boron deficiency is more pronounced during drought periods when the roots become more
restricted. It is made worse by soil that is high in nitrogen or Calcium and has a high soil pH.

Copper (Cu):

Copper is essential in the growth of plants. It helps with enzyme processes, and is key in the formation of chlorophyll.

Leaves at the top of the plant wilt easily when there is a deficiency of copper. This is followed by yellowing and dying areas in the leaves.
Leaves on the top half of the plant may show unusual puckering with a yellowing of veins. There also may be an absence of a knot on the
leaf where the petiole joins the main stem of the plant beginning about 10 or more leaves below the growing point.

Molybdenum (Mo):

Molybdenum is essential in the plant to create enzymes that assist in the nitrogen cycle within the plant. It also is needed by symbiotic
nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume species.

Deficiency symptoms include yellowish blotches first appearing between veins of older leaves. Leaves become cupped and thickened.
The yellowish chlorosis continues upward to younger leaves as deficiency progresses. Molybdenum deficiency can cause stunting of the
plant. It can cause a nitrogen deficiency in legume crops, since it is needed to fix nitrogen. Molybdenum is one of the few micronutrients
which becomes more available with increasing pH.

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ADDING IT UP

Accurate diagnosis of plant nutrient deficiencies can go a long way toward helping a greenhouse producer obtain optimum plant growth.
Making a diagnosis, however, requires experience, skill, careful observation and personal judgment.

Too often the symptoms for different deficiencies are similar. For example, symptoms for most deficiencies include some form of chlorosis
or yellowing. In most cases, a combination of symptoms must be observed to confirm a diagnosis.

SOURCE: Reference based upon the Texas Greenhouse Management Handbook, available from the Texas Nursery, Floral & Landscape
Network maintained by Texas A&M University Extension Service.

INTERNET RESOURCES:

** e-Gro webinar - Identification of Nutrient Deficiencies (Greenhouse Plants)

42:19-minute video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq9tTqMxh2o

** Greenhouse Product News - Diagnosing Bedding Plant Nutrient Deficiencies

Includes descriptions and many photos
http://gpnmag.com/wp-content/uploads/diagnosingbeddingplant.pdf

** International Plant Nutrition Institute

http://www.ipni.net/

** Michigan State University Extension - Disease or Disorder: How Do I Tell the Difference? Part 1
Discusses common problems related to nutritional disorders and provides pictures
http://www.canr.msu.edu/news/disease_or_disorder_how_do_i_tell_the_difference_part_1

** Michigan State University Extension - Six Steps to Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies in Ornamental Plants
Includes a plant nutrient deficiency key
http://www.canr.msu.edu/news/six_steps_to_identifying_nutrient_deficiencies_in_ornamental_plants

** North Carolina State University Extension - Managing Micronutrients in the Greenhouse

https://hortscans.ces.ncsu.edu/uploads/m/a/managing_51e6d89fe35b2.pdf

** OFA Association of Floriculture Professionals - Geranium Nutrient Deficiencies: A Visual Primer for Grower Diagnosis & Correction
Includes many photographs of various nutrient deficiencies in geraniums
https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/50820500/Publications/FertilityManagement/OFA%20geranium%20nutrient%20deficiencies.pdf

** Promix Training Center

https://www.pthorticulture.com/en/training-center/

** University of Florida - Fertilizer Management for Greenhouse Vegetables

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/cv265

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Lesson update reviewed by Candice Franks, M.S. in Natural Resources Management.
Copyright © 1999-2017 Stewart-Peterson Inc. All Rights Reserved. RFrevCF/nc,lh 715280
STEWART-PETERSON is a registered trademark.
Photo credit: Photo of a plant showing symptoms of phosphorus deficiency. Note the purpling of petioles and veins.

END STUDENT SECTION

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