Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulfur
B Boron
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Zn Zinc

Banana - Chlorosis

Symptoms
The symptoms of phosphorus deficiency start on older leaves. The leaves show a darker, blue-green color, and yellow chlorotic zones develop in the intercostal areas from the leaf margin. Later, these zones coalesce and become necrotic with a light brown color.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Excess nitrogen fertilization also leads to a blue-green color of the leaves. Manganese deficiency also causes marginal necrosis, but these have a darker color.

Banana - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Slow growth with thin and woody stems; petioles break easily.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
  • Low organic matter
  • Cold or wet conditions
  • Crops with a poorly developed root system
  • Soils with low P reserves
  • Soils with a high phosphate capacity
  • Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

  • Part of nucleic acids, phospholipids and energy storing and transferring systems in plants
  • Important for root growth, flower development and fruit set