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Phosphorus Deficiency - Maize

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Symptom description

Tissue on the leaf base and along the main vein is dark green, while the marginal, interveinal area towards the leaf tip shows a distinct purple tint. By the time, the discoloration spreads over the entire leaf blade. Older leaves are affected first. The reddish discoloration is usually visible in the juvenile stage only.

Made worst by

Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils. Low organic matter. Cold or wet conditions. Crops with a poorly developed root system. Soils with low P reserves. Soils with a high phosphate capacity. Iron rich soils.

Important for

Better crop establishment. Good plant development early in the season. More even maturity reducing grain losses at harvest. Improves yield. Brings forward harvest date.