Phosphorous Deficiency

PHOSPHOROUS DEFICIENCY

Phosphorous stress is typically seen in younger stem and leaf tissue as a distinct purple or bronze chlorosis. Plants tend to be slow growing, stunted, with poor root mass, flower set and fruit development.

SIGNIFICANCE

Phosphorous stress affects the early stages of development, during which the plant is setting genetic yield potential. In addition, tolerance to biotic/abiotic factors will be poor, increasing risk of drought/heat stress and reducing disease resistance mechanisms. Phosphorous stress is often worse in alkaline soils and P-fixing soils rich in calcium, magnesium, iron or aluminium.

ACTIONS

Check soil status and correct if necessary. Place and protect phosphorus fertilisers. Foliar treatment at the on-set of active growth can be very effective. Routine foliar phosphite can have a major impact on promoting plant health.