Banana plants have a high potassium requirement. Since the potassium cation (K+) is quite mobile in both the xylem and phloem transport systems of the plant, and since the plant is programmed to prefer the development of young tissues, the tendency is to extract K from older organs and tissues, and pass it on to newer ones. This is the reason for the general phenomenon that K deficiency appears first in the older, more mature foliage of the plant. In fact, K deficiency in banana plants manifests itself first in older leaves. They turn yellow and develop premature discoloration and chlorosis beginning at the tips of these leaves and distal margins. These symptoms progress to the base of the leaves, see photos below. Affected areas subsequently develop necrosis with the same pattern of evolution. Additional K deficiency symptoms are: reduced leaf size, delayed bunch emergence, reduced finger size (individual fruits) due to poor filling, reduced number of fingers/hand, reduced number of hands/bunch, reduced bunch weight and reduced yield. Reduced dry matter accumulation, reduced TSS and sugars content and reduced sugar/acid ratio in fruit. Increased incidence of diseases.
Related Posts
Effect of ProHydriQ® on berry size in table grapes
