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Common Cultural Problems

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Caption: Iron deficiency on river birch

Photo by: R. Maleike

Common Cultural : Nutrient deficiency

(revision date: 4/30/2013)

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Biology

An insufficient supply of mineral nutrients can result in a variety of symptoms on plants. Nitrogen deficiency typically causes a chlorotic yellowing of older leaves. Iron deficiency symptoms are observed on the new growth as interveinal chlorosis (leaves yellow between the veins, while the major veins remain green). High pH soils which bind iron can cause tip chlorosis and necrosis on certain plants. Magnesium deficiency can also cause interveinal chlorosis. Boron deficiency can cause necrotic spotting or flecking on leaves.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Have your soil tested for pH and nutrients. Fertilize accordingly.
Remove construction debris from soil. Lime leaching from concrete can raise soil pH and affect nutrient availability.
Root damage or disease, or trunk or branch injuries such as sunscald, cankers, or bark damage from string trimmers can impede nutrient uptake and distribution.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended

Images

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Caption: Iron deficiency on river birch Photo by: R. Maleike
Caption: Boron deficiency on walnut Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Lily scorch (calcium deficiency) Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Magnesium deficiency on geranium Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Nitrogen deficiency on impatiens Photo by: R. Maleike
Caption: Iron deficiency on rose Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Lime-induced chlorosis Photo by: R. Maleike
Caption: pH-induced chlorosis Photo by: R. Maleike
Caption: Iron deficiency on juniper Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense