Manganese is an essential micronutrient for the growth and development of wheat crops. It plays a crucial role in the photosynthesis process, enzyme activities, protein synthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism. Manganese deficiency in wheat may lead to a reduction in yield and quality. Therefore, it is important to control manganese deficiency in wheat crops to achieve optimal crop productivity.
Symptoms of manganese deficiency in wheat include interveinal chlorosis, mottled leaves, and necrosis of leaf edges. Severe deficiency may also result in stunted plant growth, reduced tillering, and poor grain development. Manganese deficiency in wheat is often observed in alkaline or calcareous soils that have a pH above 7.5.
Manganese deficiency in wheat crops can be controlled through several strategies such as soil amendment, foliar application, and seed treatment. Soil amendment involves the addition of manganese sulfate or other manganese-containing fertilizers to the soil. For foliar application, manganese sulfate is sprayed directly on the leaves of the wheat plants. Seed treatment involves coating the seed with manganese-containing fertilizers before planting.
In addition to these strategies, it is also important to manage soil pH levels to control manganese deficiency in wheat crops. High soil pH levels make manganese less available to the plants, leading to deficiency. It is recommended to maintain soil pH levels within the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Crop rotation is also a management strategy to control manganese deficiency in wheat crops. Wheat should not be grown consecutively in the same field for more than two years as it depletes soil manganese levels. Instead, legumes or other non-cereal crops should be grown in the intervening years to allow the soil to recover its manganese levels.
In conclusion, manganese deficiency is a common problem in wheat crops that can affect crop productivity and quality. Control of manganese deficiency involves the use of different strategies such as soil amendment, foliar application, seed treatment, soil pH management, and crop rotation. By implementing these strategies, farmers can achieve optimal crop productivity and quality in their wheat crops.