Mineral nutrition of papaya tree (Carica papaya L.): III - symptomatology of macronutrient deficiency

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to characterize symptoms of macronutrient deficiency of papaya trees growing on nutrient solution under greenhouse conditions. It was possible to characterize and distinguish deficiency symptoms for all macronutrients, except for sulfur. Nitrogen deficiency showed off a clorosis of the basal leaves. Phosphorus deficiency was characterized as a partial clorosis of the intermediate leaf blades and potassium as a marginal clorosis and necrossis og young and old leaf edges. Magnesium deficiency was characterized as a clorotic mottle of young leaves and an upward growth of the leaf edges. The analytical levels found in leaves of plants growing on a complete nutrient solution and on solutions which nutrients had been excluded were respectively: N-4.24% and 3.61%; P-0.52% and 0.14%; K-3.81% and 1.36%; Ca-1.29% and 0.28%; Mg-0.65% and 0.17%.