DisorderMedium Severity

Zinc Deficiency

A nutritional disorder most common in the Gulf States and California, especially in calcareous or sandy soils. Zinc is essential for chlorophyll production and acts as a catalyst with copper and manganese. Together with copper, zinc aids in enzyme development for nitrogen reduction.

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Zinc deficiency symptoms showing small, chlorotic leaves with interveinal yellowing

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Uniformly yellow (chlorotic) leaves on broadleaf plants
Small (little-leaf), narrow, and pointed leaves
Necrotic spots may appear on chlorotic leaves
Shoots of small diameter with rosettes of leaves at tips
Tip dieback on affected shoots
Light fruit set with small, pointed, highly-colored fruit
Extremely stunted branches and needles on conifers
All but first and second year needles drop on conifers
Terminal dieback on coniferous trees

Potential Damage

Reduced photosynthesis from chlorophyll deficiency
Stunted growth and development
Poor fruit production and quality
Terminal and branch dieback
Reduced enzyme activity affecting nitrogen metabolism
Overall plant weakness and decline

Lifecycle

Deficiency develops gradually as zinc becomes unavailableMost common in high pH calcareous soilsSandy soils with low organic matter also problematicSymptoms worsen during periods of active growthMay be seasonal depending on soil conditions

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Soil application of zinc sulfate or zinc chelate

2

Foliar applications of zinc solutions during growing season

3

Soil pH modification to improve zinc availability

4

Organic matter addition to improve soil conditions

5

Zinc injection treatments for trees

6

Regular soil testing to monitor zinc levels

Recommended Mauget Products

Inject-A-Min Iron Zinc

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against zinc deficiency.

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Stemix Plus

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against zinc deficiency.

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