Manganese is an essential micronutrient required for the growth and development of plants. It plays a vital role in many physiological and biochemical processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen metabolism, and enzyme activation. Wheat is one of the major crops which suffer from manganese deficiency. This deficiency can lead to reduced yields, poor grain quality, stunted growth, and susceptibility to diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to manage and control manganese deficiency in wheat.
Symptoms: The symptoms of manganese deficiency often resemble those of iron deficiency. The leaves of affected plants turn yellowish-green, and the veins remain green, giving them a “striped” appearance. The leaves also become narrow and twisted. The plants may also develop a purple tint. Plants may also appear stunted and have fewer tillers.
Soil pH: The availability of manganese to plants is strongly influenced by soil pH. Manganese is most available to plants when soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. Therefore, the first step in controlling manganese deficiency is to maintain the soil pH within the optimal range.
Fertilization: Nutrient management is also critical in controlling manganese deficiency. Soil testing should be done to determine the nutrient status of the soil. If the soil is found deficient in manganese, fertilization is required. Several manganese fertilizers are available in the market, such as manganese sulfate, manganese oxide, and manganese chelates.
Foliar Application: Foliar application of manganese can be a useful tool in managing manganese deficiency. Foliar application allows the plant to take up manganese directly and bypasses the soil availability issues. Foliar sprays with manganese sulfate or manganese chelates can be an effective tool to correct manganese deficiency when applied at the right timing and rate.
Crop Rotation: Crop rotation is another integral part of managing manganese deficiency. Wheat grown continuously in the same field can deplete the soil of manganese, and crops grown after wheat may suffer from manganese deficiency. Therefore, crop rotation should be practiced to balance the nutrient cycle of the soil.
In conclusion, manganese deficiency can be controlled in wheat by following the above-mentioned measures. Maintaining optimal soil pH, nutrient management, foliar application, and crop rotation are all useful techniques that can help manage manganese deficiency. By taking a multi-pronged approach, farmers can ensure that their wheat crops are healthy and productive.