Potassium
Potassium (K) is important for fruit colour, winter hardiness, tree growth and disease resistance.
Identification
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Often Confused With
Leaf scorch – damage to succulent spring growth following high winds at high temperatures
Scouting Notes
Symptoms are usually present on the upper part of the tree first, most pronounced on midshoot leaves.
Management Notes
Potassium deficiency predisposes prunes and European plums to perennial canker. |
Potassium deficiency symptoms occur when uptake from the soil is compromised due to waterlogging or extremely dry soil conditions or soil compaction. It can be easily leached from sandy soils. High levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, nitrogen or phosphorus can affect uptake, especially if potassium deficient in the soil. Deficiency should be confirmed with tissue analyses. For application rates of potassium, see nutrient sufficiency ranges for tender fruit.
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