Deficiency of Manganese in Wheat: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Manganese is an essential micronutrient required for healthy plant growth and development. It is involved in various metabolic processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme activation. However, despite its significance, manganese deficiency is a common issue faced by wheat growers worldwide. This article aims to provide information on the causes, symptoms, and management of manganese deficiency in wheat.
Causes of Manganese Deficiency in Wheat
Manganese deficiency in wheat can occur due to various reasons, such as:
1. Soil pH: Manganese availability is reduced in soils with high pH levels (>7.0). Such soils are alkaline, and the manganese binds to other minerals, making it unavailable for uptake by the plant.
2. Soil Organic Matter: Manganese availability is also affected by soil organic matter. High organic matter levels can lead to manganese deficiency as organic matter binds to manganese, making it unavailable.
3. Soil Texture: The manganese deficiency is common in soils with sandy texture. These soils cannot hold onto manganese ions that leaches down below the rooting zone.
Symptoms of Manganese Deficiency in Wheat
Manganese deficiency symptoms in wheat plants may vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. However, the most commonly observed symptoms include:
1. Chlorosis: Yellowing of leaves is often the first and most noticeable symptom of Manganese deficiency. It usually starts from the bottom of the plant and progresses upwards.
2. Necrosis: As the deficiency progresses, the tips and margins of the leaves may turn brown or black, indicating cell death.
3. Reduced Growth: Manganese-deficient wheat plants show stunted growth due to reduced photosynthetic activity. The plant’s reproductive capacity is also impaired due to reduced pollen viability and seed set.
Management of Manganese Deficiency in Wheat
The deficiency of manganese in wheat can be managed by:
1. Soil Testing: Farmers can test their soil for manganese levels and apply the required amount of manganese fertiliser as per soil test recommendation.
2. Foliar application: Manganese foliar application increases the plant’s manganese intake quickly.
3. Soil Acidification: Where the pH of the soil is high, it can be acidified with necessary soil acidification materials like Sulfur, to reduce the pH level of the soil, making manganese available on the soil rather than binding to other minerals.
In conclusion, manganese deficiency in wheat plants is a significant issue that can lead to reduced yield levels. Early detection of manganese deficiency symptoms and proper management techniques are crucial for maintaining healthy plant growth and reducing crop losses. Therefore, it’s essential to keep a check on manganese levels in the soil and take corrective measures such as soil acidification, foliar application, and manganese fertilisation accordingly.