Manganese Nutrient Deficiency in Plants

Form

Taken up as ionic Mn²⁺ and Mn³⁺, Manganese links with Iron to maintain photosynthesis and cell activity.

Function

Manganese regulates a wide range of reactions that occur within the cell. Often interchangeable with Iron, Manganese affects photosynthesis and is a vital part of both cell repair and defence. As a result, Manganese affects growth rates, plant development and tolerance to stress, particularly during the early stages of growth. Low Manganese status results in low plant vigour and reduced tolerance to stress and infection.

Symptoms

Manganese nutrient deficiency affects younger leaves and active growing points. Plants display slow growth, lax canopy and low vigour. Young leaves show a distinct mottled interveinal chlorosis.

Significance

Manganese stress restricts the conversion of sunlight to plant energy, resulting in slow growth rates, poor development and low tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress. Manganese nutrient deficiency is often associated with alkaline soils and cold, wet growing conditions.

Actions

Check soil status and root development for compaction. Seed treatment and routine foliar treatment can be very effective, especially during the early stages of plant development and times of stress.