Manganese plays a structural role in the chloroplast membrane system, and also is important in numerous enzymes allowing them to work properly.
A manganese deficiency is difficult to diagnose since it resembles an iron deficiency. Yellowing (chlorosis) is most severe at the top of the plant. Yellowing of the leaves appears first near leaf margins and develops in a V-shaped pattern. Leaves then develop tan or gray spots that can easily be mistaken for air pollution damage. These spots are the major difference between manganese and iron deficiency.
Good growers know manganese gets locked out when the pH is too high, and when there's too much iron. Use chelated Mn if you have a deficiency.
Causes of manganese deficiencies are soils with a high pH (Alkaline), soils high in humus or peaty soils.
Manganese Toxicity appears as chlorosis, or blotchy leaf tissue due to insufficient chlorophyll synthesis. Growth rate will slow and vigor will decline.
Good Growing,
Dr. E.R. Myers
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