Maize - Growth retardation
Symptoms
Plant shows stunted growth. At severe deficiency necrotic zones develop at leaf margins and tips.
Causes
Severe iron deficiency (left)
Maize - Chlorosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of iron deficiency start on younger leaves. Plants show chlorotic leaves with interveinal stripes. When the deficiency becomes severe the veins also become chlorotic and plant growth is stunted.
Causes
Iron deficiency
Can be confused with manganese deficiency, but manganese deficiency is very rare in corn.
Magnesium deficient plants also show interveinal chlorosis, but the symptoms start on older leaves.
Iron deficiency vs. healthy plant made worse by
- High pH
- Water logged soils
- Calcareous soils
- High copper, manganese or zinc soils
Iron is important for
- Healthy green foliage
- Improved yield and grain quality
