NUTRIENT TECHNOLOGIES

TECH-FLO FLOWABLE FOLIAR NUTRIENTS

ESSENTIAL PLANT NUTRIENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS1

NITROGEN
Nitrogen (N) is taken up by plants as nitrate (NO 3 ) or ammonium (NH4 ) ions. It is utilized by plants to synthesize amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. The protoplasm of all living cells contains protein. Nitrogen is also required by plants for other vital compounds, such as chlorophyll, nucleic acids, and enzymes. Chlorosis is usually more pronounced in older tissue. Since nitrogen is mobile within plants, it tends to move from older to younger tissue when in short supply. Symptoms of N Deficiency Slow growth; stunted plants. Yellow-green color (chlorosis). Death (necrosis) of tips and margins of leaves, beginning with more mature leaves.
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PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus (P) is taken up by plants as ortho-phosphate PO 4 . Phosphorus is present in all living cells. It is utilized by the plant to form nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Through energy-rich linkages (ATP and ADP), it is involved in the storage and transfer of chemical energy used for growth and reproduction. Phosphorus stimulates seedling development and root formation. It hastens maturity and promotes seed production. Phosphorus supplementation is required most by plants under the following circumstances: (1) cold weather, (2) limited root growth period, and (3) rapid vegetative growth. Symptoms of P Deficiency Slow growth; stunted plants. Purplish coloration on foliage of some plants (older leaves first). Dark green coloration. Delayed maturity. Poor fruit or seed development.

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POTASSIUM
Potassium (K) is taken up by plants in the form of potassium ions (K ). It remains in ionic form within cells and tissues. Potassium is essential for translocation of sugars and for formation of starch. It is required in the opening and closing of stomata by guard cells. Potassium promotes root growth; produces larger, more uniformly distributed xylem vessels throughout the root system; and increases plant resistance to disease. Potassium increases size and quality of fruits, nuts, and vegetables and improves winter hardiness of perennials. Plants that produce large amounts of carbohydrates have a high potassium requirement.
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Symptoms of K Deficiency: Slow growth. Tip and marginal chlorosis. Weak stems and stalks. Small fruit or shriveled seeds.

CALCIUM
Calcium (Ca) is taken up by plants as the calcium ion (Ca ). A structural nutrient, it is an essential part in cell walls and membranes and is required for the formation of new cells. For this reason, early season availability of supplemental Calcium has a distinct effect on fruit set. Once deposited in plant tissues, Calcium is not remobilized. Therefore, young tissue is affected first under conditions of deficiency. Since Calcium is not mobile, the requirements of ++ a crop for Ca after early fruit set are commonly supplied in the form of nutritional sprays. Symptoms of Ca Deficiency: Tip burn of young leaves celery, lettuce, cabbage. Death of growing points (terminal buds). Root tips also affected. Abnormal dark green appearance of foliage Premature shedding of blossoms and buds Weakened stems. Water-soaked, discolored areas on fruits blossom-end rot of tomatoes, peppers, and melons; bitter pit or cork spot of apples and pears.
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MAGNESIUM
Plant uptake of magnesium is in the form of the magnesium ion (Mg ). The chlorophyll molecule, which is essential for photosynthesis, contains magnesium. Magnesium (Mg) serves as an activator of many plant enzymes required in growth processes. Magnesium is mobile within plants and can be readily translocated from older to younger tissue when it is deficient. Plants need magnesium to balance the generally high use of potassium from fertilizers and manure. Symptoms of Mg Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis in older leaves Curling of leaves upward along margins. Marginal yellowing, with green Christmas tree area along mid-rib of leaf.
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SULPHUR
Sulphur (S) is utilized in the form of sulfate ions (SO 4 ). Sulphur may also be absorbed as sulphur dioxide (SO 2) from the air through leaves in areas where the atmosphere has been enriched with sulphur compounds. It is not readily available from wettable sulphur which is in the form of elemental sulphur. Sulphur is a constituent of three amino acids (cystine, methionine and cysteine) and is therefore necessary for protein synthesis. It is essential for nodule formation on legume roots. Sulphur is present in oil compounds responsible for the characteristic odors of plants such as garlic and onion.
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Symptoms of S Deficiency: Retarded growth rate and delayed maturity. Young leaves light green to yellowish color. In some plants, older tissue may be affected also. Small and spindly plants.

MICRONUTRIENTS
ZINC
Zinc (Zn) is taken up by plants as the zinc ion (Zn ) and is an essential constituent of several important enzyme systems in plants. It controls the synthesis of indoleacetic acid, an important plant growth regulator. Terminal growth areas are affected first when zinc is deficient. Deficiency is most common on soils with neutral or alkaline pH that are sandy or have low organic matter content (including cut areas) and are very high in available phosphorus. Symptoms of Zn Deficiency: Decrease in stem length and rosetteing of terminal leaves. Reduced fruit bud formation. Mottled young leaves (interveinal chlorosis). Dieback of twigs after first year.
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IRON
Iron (Fe) is taken up by plants as ferrous ions (Fe ) and is required for the formation of chlorophyll in plant cells. It serves as an activator for biochemical processes, such as respiration, photosynthesis, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Iron deficiency can be induced by high levels of manganese or high lime content in soils. Deficiencies are common in high pH soils, in situations with poor aeration, or when high levels of zinc or manganese are present. Symptoms of Fe Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis of young leaves. Veins remain green except in severe cases. Twig dieback. In severe cases, death of entire limbs or plants.
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MANGANESE
Manganese (Mn) uptake is in the form of the ion Mn . Manganese serves as an activator for enzymes in plant growth processes. It assists iron in chlorophyll formation. High concentrations of manganese in plants may induce iron deficiency. Manganese is generally required with zinc in foliar spraying of commercial citrus. Other tree crops may show deficiencies. Symptoms of Mn Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis of young leaves. Gradation of pale-green leaf coloration, with darker color next to veins. No sharp color distinction between veins and interveinal areas as with iron deficiency.
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COPPER
Plant uptake of copper is in the ionic form (Cu ). Copper serves as an activator of numerous plant enzymes and plays a role in the development of plant pigments that influence color. A copper deficiency interferes with protein synthesis. Copper deficiency has been observed on trees and vines growing on organic soils and sands. Symptoms of Cu Deficiency: Stunted growth. Dieback of terminal shoots in trees. Poor pigmentation. Wilting and eventual death of leaf tips. Formation of gum pockets around central pith in oranges.
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BORON
Boron (B) is predominately in solution as boric acid, H BO3, and is taken up by plants in 3 this form. It functions in the differentiation of meristematic cells. Boron is also involved in regulating metabolism of carbohydrates in plants. Nearly all fruiting crops have a high demand for boron in the early fruiting stage. Foliar applications are an effective way to meet this demand at this critical growth state. Recent research has shown that boron is effective in increasing pollen viability, thus contributing to increased fruit set. When boron is deficient, cells may continue to divide, but structural components are not differentiated. Symptoms of B Deficiency: Death of terminal growth, causing lateral buds to develop, producing a witchs broom effect. Thickened, curled, wilted and chlorotic leaves. Soft or necrotic spots in fruit or tubers. Reduced flowering or improper pollination.

MOLYBDENUM
Molybdenum (Mo) is taken up by plants as the molybdate ion (MoO 4 ). It is required by plants for the utilization of nitrogen. Nitrate nitrogen is converted to amino acids by the nitrate reductase enzyme; this enzyme requires molybdenum. In addition, molybdenum is required for the symbiotic fixation of nitrogen by legumes. Symptoms of Mo Deficiency: Stunting and lack of vigor. This is similar to nitrogen deficiency, because of the key role of molybdenum in nitrogen utilization. Marginal scorching and cupping or rolling of leaves. Whiptail of cauliflower. Yellow spotting of citrus.
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Adapted from Western Fertilizer Handbook, Second Horticulture Edition, California Fertilizer Association