Hektar

Symptoms:

• Primarily affects the young leaves at the top of the plant.
• Leaves develop yellowing (interveinal chlorosis) while the veins remain green, a condition known as iron chlorosis.
• As the deficiency worsens, leaves may become almost entirely yellow or whitish, with edges showing signs of scorching.
• Plant growth slows significantly, and in severe cases, the plant may stop growing altogether.

Factors Contributing to Iron Deficiency:

• Calcareous soils or soils with high pH, where iron becomes insoluble and unavailable to plants.
• Excess soil moisture or poor drainage.
• High levels of phosphorus, manganese, or copper in the soil, which can inhibit iron absorption.
• Poor root development caused by diseases, pests, or unfavorable growing conditions.

Prevention and Correction Measures:

1. Improving Soil Conditions:

   • Lower soil pH by applying acidifying agents like ammonium sulfate or citric acid.
   • Use a well-drained, aerated growing medium.

2. Iron Fertilization:

   • Apply iron-based fertilizers, such as chelated iron (EDTA, EDDHA), via fertigation or foliar spray.
   • Use iron sulfate for a rapid correction, although it is less effective in alkaline soils.

3. Enhancing Overall Plant Health:

   • Ensure a balanced nutrient supply, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
   • Avoid overwatering, which can reduce oxygen availability to the roots.

4. Ecological Products:

   • Use seaweed extracts or biostimulants to improve iron uptake.
   • Apply compost or organic matter, which can release iron into the soil.

Correcting iron deficiency is crucial for healthy pepper development and for preventing yield reductions.