Mango Nutrient Deficiency: Signs, Causes and the Fertilizer That Fixes It

Mango nutrient deficiency signs, old leaves and young leaves

Shows first on the old leaves

Shows first on the young leaves

Before you buy fertilizer for a mango nutrient deficiency

So use the table to pick the likeliest mango nutrient deficiency, then read its section below. Also keep in mind that dry soil, standing water, cold nights, a pest or a disease can look the same. That is why it pays to check the roots and the whole field first.

Nitrogen deficiency in mango

Leaves come out undersized and turn an even pale green to yellow, older leaves first, until the whole canopy looks yellowish. Even the young twigs take on a yellow color. New flushes are short and few, growth slows badly, and the fruit that sets stays small and matures early. You see it most at this stage: any age. Most common in young trees that are never fed and in bearing trees that carried a big crop without fertilizer.

Why nitrogen deficiency happens in mangga

Trees that get little or no fertilizer, sandy soils low in organic matter, and heavy rain that washes nitrogen down. Thick grass and weeds under the canopy also compete for it.

How to tell it apart

Magnesium deficiency also starts on old leaves. But the veins stay dark green in a fishbone pattern while the tissue between them yellows. To be sure, test the leaves before you induce flowering. Pick the youngest full size, hardened leaf of a flush, about eight weeks old, four or five per tree from ten trees. A soil test taken at the same time helps read the leaf result.

What to apply for nitrogen deficiency

Feed nitrogen in a ring under the edge of the canopy and cover it with soil. Give Complete 14 14 14 by tree age, for example 500 g to 1 kg per tree at 5 to 6 years, 2 kg at 7 to 8 years, 3 kg at 9 to 10 years and 5 kg at 11 to 15 years, one half when the rains begin and the other half as they end. For quick greening, give a Urea spray of 10 grams per liter (160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every 15 days. Give 80 kg of nitrogen per hectare as its soil rate.

• Urea 46 0 0
• Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0
• Complete 14 14 14

Sold here with nitrogen: Atlas Granular Urea (46 0 0) by Atlas Fertilizer, Amigo Planters Ammonium Chloride by La Filipina (25 0 0), Agripower 46 0 0 (Locally Blended) Coated by Green Acres Agri Tech and Crown Champion Nitrogen Calcium Compound (Cal Nit) by Aqua Hydroponic Prime Ventures (15 0 0 with 18 percent calcium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to urea fertilizer, and the page on nitrogen deficiency in every crop. In anee.io, Anee, the smart farm technician, reads a photo of the leaf and tells you which nutrient is short.

To keep it away, fertilize every year in two splits and add compost or manure. Do not overdo nitrogen on bearing trees: too much nitrogen makes soft nose and internal breakdown of the fruit worse. Let a soil test and the crop's color set the season's nitrogen.

Potassium deficiency in mango

Older leaves show it first. Greyish dead tissue forms along the leaf edges, then the leaves die, with no general yellowing of the blade. Old leaves can also show white, yellow or orange spots on both sides. Scorch starts at the tip and edge, and the edges curl up. In bad cases leaves are small, roots are weak, shoot tips burn and die back, and fruit size and yield drop. You see it most at this stage: bearing trees, most during fruit growth, and trees on sandy soils.

Why potassium deficiency happens in mangga

Acid soils, sandy soils, heavy rain or heavy irrigation that leaches potash, drought, and soils with little potash in reserve. Years of nitrogen only feeding make it worse.

How to tell it apart

Magnesium deficiency also starts on old leaves. But the tissue between the veins yellows in a fishbone pattern, not a grey brown edge scorch. To be sure, leaf test of the youngest fully expanded, hardened leaves before flower induction. A soil test for potash, magnesium and calcium together, since their balance matters.

What to apply for potassium deficiency

Apply Muriate of potash 0 0 60 under the canopy edge in split doses, following the soil test. As a quick help, give a Sulfate of potash spray at 10 grams per liter (160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) with a sticker in the morning. Give a potassium chloride spray at 2 percent (20 grams per liter, 320 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every two weeks. Keep the soil pH above 6 with lime or dolomite on acid soils. Give 200 to 500 grams of Muriate of potash 0 0 60 a bearing tree a year in two doses, more while fruits are filling.

• Muriate of potash 0 0 60
• Sulfate of potash 0 0 50
• Complete 14 14 14
• Dolomite

Sold here with potassium: Atlas Muriate of Potash (MOP) by Atlas Fertilizer (0 0 60), Simplot Sulfate 0 0 50 by Nutranta, Crown Champion Nitrogen Potassium Compound Fertilizer (Mango Inducer) by Aqua Hydroponic Prime Ventures (13.5 0 46) and Qrop Mix Production 14 0 23 plus 13 Cao by Farmtech Agriland (14 0 23 with 9.3 percent calcium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to potash fertilizer, and the page on potassium deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, use a complete fertilizer every year, such as a 14 14 14 schedule by tree age. Add extra potash on sandy soils. Return leaves and prunings to the soil.

Zinc deficiency in mango

The new flush shows it. Leaves come out small, narrow, thick and brittle, with wavy edges that bend up or down and tips that curl back. The tissue between the veins turns pale green to yellow while the midrib stays green. Short internodes crowd the leaves into a rosette, and some twigs die back. Flower panicles on these shoots are small, odd shaped and drooping. You see it most at this stage: on new flushes, in young trees and in old trees on poor soils. It also cuts flowering.

Why zinc deficiency happens in mangga

High pH and limestone soils, sandy soils, and heavy phosphate fertilizer, which holds zinc back. Zinc is most available between pH 5 and 7.5.

How to tell it apart

Mango malformation, a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium mangiferae, also shortens shoot internodes into bunches. Malformed panicles grow short, thick and bunched, set no fruit and dry black. To be sure, leaf test of the youngest fully hardened leaves and a soil test for pH and zinc. Spray zinc on a few branches. If the next flush comes out with normal size, green leaves, it was zinc.

What to apply for zinc deficiency

Give Zinc sulfate on the soil at 10 kg per hectare, or a spray at 0.5 percent (5 grams per liter, 80 grams in a 16 liter sprayer). For severe cases give a morning spray of 2 grams of Zinc sulfate plus 2.5 grams of fine lime (calcium carbonate) per liter. In severe cases the soil dose can rise to about 20 kg of Zinc sulfate per hectare. Spray when the new flush is expanding. Do not apply zinc and phosphate fertilizer at the same time.

• Zinc sulfate

Sold here with zinc: Harvester Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate by Universal Harvester (22 percent zinc), Tierramino ZN by Unilox Far East Resources (7 0 0 with 10 percent zinc), Liquid Chelate Zinc with Sulfur by Sagrex (10 percent zinc and 5 percent sulfur) and Nemes Foliar by SCL Filipinas (4.8 0 0 with 10 percent zinc, 4.9 percent boron and 4.8 percent magnesium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to fertilizer with zinc, and the page on zinc deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, give a foliar fertilizer with zinc, boron, magnesium and calcium 18 to 25 days after flower induction, before bagging. Avoid heavy phosphate and overliming. Test the soil every two or three years.

Boron deficiency in mango

It shows at the growing points, in young leaves and in developing fruit. New leaves stay small and turn thick, leathery and uneven in shape. Many flowers drop. Fruit may crack, the yellow flesh shows brown areas. In bad cases the flesh turns soft and watery and splits down to the centre. You see it most at this stage: flowering to fruit growth.

Why boron deficiency happens in mangga

It is linked to high rainfall areas, high temperature, acid soils and also limestone soils. Sandy soils low in organic matter and dry spells add to it.

How to tell it apart

Floral malformation (Fusarium) gives short, thick, crowded panicles that set no fruit and turn black. Boron shortage shows instead as flower drop, thick misshapen young leaves and damaged fruit. To be sure, soil test for boron and a leaf test. Boron is a key trace element for mango but is hard to manage, so do not add it on guesswork. In a soil test, less than 0.5 ppm of boron is low.

What to apply for boron deficiency

Give Borax at 5 to 10 kg per hectare on the soil, or a spray of Borax at 0.25 percent (2.5 grams per liter, 40 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every 10 days, or Solubor at 3 grams per liter (48 grams in a 16 liter sprayer). Give a lighter Borax spray of 1 gram per liter (16 grams in a 16 liter sprayer). Do not mix boron with calcium sprays or put borax down with ammonium fertilizers. Boron is toxic in excess, so keep to low rates.

• Borax
• Solubor

Sold here with boron: Etifert 11 (Borax Decahydrate) by Zetryl Chem (11 percent boron), Fertibagra 15G by Unilox Far East Resources (14.6 percent boron), B17 (Boric Acid) by Newman Chemicals (17 percent boron) and Better Yield by Bacphil Planters Fertilizer (0 0 0.9 with 10 percent boron). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to foliar fertilizer, and the page on boron deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, on soils that tested low, include boron in the foliar fertilizer given after flower induction. Keep organic matter up and water during long dry spells. Test the soil every two or three years.

Calcium deficiency in mango

The fruit shows it first, from the inside. The flesh browns and falls apart inside (internal breakdown). As the fruit ripens, its blossom end turns soft and watery while the shoulders stay firm (soft nose). Other forms are a hollow at the stem end, over ripe flesh around the seed (jelly seed), or spongy greyish black patches. On the tree, young leaves may yellow, wilt and curl down near the bud, and root and shoot tips brown and die. You see it most at this stage: fruit ripening, worse in fruit left to ripen on the tree.

Why calcium deficiency happens in mangga

Acid and sandy soils low in calcium, soils high in sodium or aluminium, drought, and too much nitrogen or potash. High phosphorus and a shortage of boron also cut calcium use.

How to tell it apart

Fruit fly maggots also rot the flesh, but you will find sting marks on the skin and larvae inside. Stem end rot and anthracnose start as dark patches on the skin. To be sure, soil test for pH and calcium, and a leaf test. Cut open a sample of ripe fruit from each block and count how many show breakdown.

What to apply for calcium deficiency

On acid soils give Agricultural lime at 1 kg per tree per year in four doses of 250 grams. On neutral or alkaline soils use Gypsum. Give 50 kg per hectare. Cut back nitrogen on trees with soft nose, and harvest at the mature green stage. Calcium in the foliar spray after flower induction helps the fruit. For quick help on fruit and young leaves, spray Calcium nitrate at 0.5 to 1 percent (80 to 160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every 7 to 10 days from fruit set.

• Agricultural lime
• Dolomite
• Gypsum
• Calcium nitrate

Sold here with calcium: Planters Products Lifelime (36.2 percent calcium), Dolomite by A6 Agrisource (24 percent calcium and 11 percent magnesium), Crown Champion Nitrogen Calcium Compound (Cal Nit) by Aqua Hydroponic Prime Ventures (15 0 0 with 18 percent calcium) and Philphos Gypsum (22.2 percent calcium and 17.4 percent sulfur). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to fertilizer for tomatoes, and the page on calcium deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, lime acid soils, keep nitrogen and potash in balance, and water during long dry spells. Test the soil every two or three years.

Magnesium deficiency in mango

Lower, older leaves yellow between the veins while the veins stay dark green, giving a fishbone pattern, often with a green wedge down the middle of the leaf. Bronzing starts at the edge, in the rounded margin between each pair of side veins. The yellow parts later brown and die. Leaves may curl and cup and fall early, and the tree grows less. You see it most at this stage: bearing trees, often after heavy potash feeding.

Why magnesium deficiency happens in mangga

Acid soils, soils rich in potash or given heavy potash, and cold, wet periods.

How to tell it apart

Potassium deficiency also hits old leaves, but as a grey to brown scorch on the edges without the fishbone yellowing. Nitrogen deficiency yellows the whole leaf, veins included. To be sure, soil test for magnesium, potash and calcium, and a leaf test.

What to apply for magnesium deficiency

Give Magnesium sulfate at 5 to 10 kg per hectare on the soil, or a 2 percent spray (20 grams per liter, 320 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every two weeks. For a stronger soil dose, band about 80 kg of Magnesium sulfate per hectare near the trees. Use Dolomite for long term correction. Do not apply magnesium and potash fertilizer together.

• Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
• Kieserite
• Dolomite

Sold here with magnesium: Dolomite by A6 Agrisource (24 percent calcium and 11 percent magnesium), Agsmart Kieserite Granule (20 percent sulfur and 16.3 percent magnesium), DDDD Planter's Choice Magnesium Sulphate Monohydrate by Modern Time (15.1 percent magnesium) and Zetryl MAG 9 by Zetryl Chem (9 percent magnesium). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to complete fertilizer, and the page on magnesium deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, use dolomite instead of plain lime on acid soils and keep potash in balance with magnesium. Test the soil every two or three years.

Phosphorus deficiency in mango

A reddish color on the underside of leaves as the first sign, on older leaves. Leaf tips die, older leaves drop early and branches partly die back from the tip. Small, dark green young leaves sit at the ends of the branches, roots grow poorly, and fruit ripening and quality are delayed. You see it most at this stage: young trees and trees on poor, acid soils. Growth and flushing slow down.

Why phosphorus deficiency happens in mangga

Acid soils that lock up phosphorus, and soils low in organic matter. Phosphorus is taken up best at pH 6.2 to 7.0.

How to tell it apart

Nitrogen deficiency makes leaves pale, not dark. Drought, root damage and twig dieback diseases can also drop leaves and kill shoot tips. To be sure, soil test for available phosphorus and pH, and a leaf test.

What to apply for phosphorus deficiency

Use Superphosphate for a quick fix, or bone meal or rock phosphate for slow, long term correction. You can also give a phosphoric acid spray at 0.5 percent three times. On acid soils lime toward pH 6.2 to 7.0. Organic manure with phosphate dissolving bacteria helps free phosphorus. Give 200 to 500 grams of Complete 14 14 14 a young tree, up to 1 to 2 kg a bearing tree, when the rains begin.

• Superphosphate 0 20 0
• Complete 14 14 14
• 16 20 0
• Agricultural lime

Sold here with phosphorus: Philphos 18 46 0 (Di Ammonium Phosphate), Atlas Super Gro (16 20 0) by Atlas Fertilizer, Amigo Planters Granular Single Super Phosphate by La Filipina (0 18 0 with 11 percent sulfur) and Triple Super Phosphate by Newman Chemicals (0 46 0). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to 16 20 0 fertilizer, and the page on phosphorus deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, put phosphorus in the planting hole and follow a Complete 14 14 14 schedule by tree age every year. Test the soil every two or three years.

Iron deficiency in mango

The youngest leaves show it first. At first even the smallest veins stay green, giving a net of green veins on a yellow leaf. Later the whole leaf turns pale yellow or bleaches white, and new leaves come out smaller. In extreme cases leaves dry from the tip down and shoots die back. You see it most at this stage: new flushes, mostly in trees on limey or waterlogged soils.

Why iron deficiency happens in mangga

High pH and limestone soils (lime induced chlorosis), waterlogged soils, and low potash. Many tropical soils hold plenty of iron. So the yellowing often means iron is locked up rather than missing.

How to tell it apart

Zinc deficiency also hits young leaves, but they are small, thick and crowded in rosettes. Manganese deficiency shows on leaves just reaching full size, is milder, and has grey brown specks. To be sure, soil test for pH and iron, and check drainage. Trust the soil iron reading more than the leaf iron reading. In a soil test, less than 4.5 ppm of iron is low.

What to apply for iron deficiency

On high pH soils, use chelated iron (Fe EDDHA works best) as a soil drench two or three times a year. On neutral or acid soils, Ferrous sulfate can go on the soil and be watered in two or three times a year. Give about 15 kg of Ferrous sulfate per hectare. Iron sprays on the leaves are generally not effective. Drain wet spots. Spray Ferrous sulfate at 0.5 to 1 percent (80 to 160 grams in a 16 liter sprayer), or an iron chelate at the label rate, two or three times 7 to 10 days apart.

• Ferrous sulfate
• Iron chelate (Fe EDDHA)

Sold here with iron: DDDD Planter's Choice Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate by Modern Time (19 percent iron), Ferrous Sulfate Monohydrate by Zetryl Chem (30 percent iron), Ferrous Sulphate Monohydrate by Newman Chemicals (30 percent iron) and Liquid Chelate Iron with Sulfur by Sagrex (5 percent iron and 3 percent sulfur). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to foliar fertilizer, and the page on iron deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, avoid overliming and keep the soil drained. Keep potash up. Test the soil every two or three years.

Manganese deficiency in mango

It shows on leaves that are just reaching full size, in the middle of the canopy. Between the veins they go yellowish green, and on the upper surface a fine mesh of green veins stays. Mature leaves become thicker and blunt, and light grey to greyish brown specks appear. In severe cases the leaves brown and growth slows. You see it most at this stage: new and maturing flushes. Leaf signs appear late.

Why manganese deficiency happens in mangga

High pH and limestone soils, and sandy soils. Along with iron shortage, it is part of mango decline.

How to tell it apart

Iron deficiency shows on the very newest leaves and bleaches them paler, often to white. Zinc deficiency makes leaves small and crowded. To be sure, leaf test and soil test for pH and manganese. Spray a few branches. The next flush should come out greener.

What to apply for manganese deficiency

Spray Manganese sulfate on the leaves. Give 5 grams per liter (80 grams in a 16 liter sprayer). Give 0.2 percent (2 grams per liter, 32 grams in a 16 liter sprayer) every two weeks. Use yearly sprays that carry manganese, zinc and boron on limey soils.

• Manganese sulfate

Sold here with manganese: Manganese Sulfate by Zetryl Chem (31 percent manganese), Tierramino MN by Unilox Far East Resources (7 0 0 with 12 percent manganese), Multimate by Agway (4 0 0 with 4.5 percent sulfur, 2.8 percent zinc and 1.8 percent manganese) and Nutri Tabble Meta Foliar by NS Northern Organic Fertilizer (12 percent zinc, 9 percent sulfur, 2 percent magnesium and 1.2 percent manganese). Check the FPA registration on the bag and follow the label rate. For the how and when, see our guide to foliar fertilizer, and the page on manganese deficiency in every crop.

To keep it away, avoid overliming and include manganese in the yearly foliar program on high pH soils. Test the soil every two or three years.

Mango nutrient deficiency questions