Plant Problem Diagnosis Key / Nutrient problems
Nutrient
Zinc deficiency
Zn
Zinc does not move to new growth. When short, internodes stay short and leaves stay small, giving a bunched rosette at the tip.
Signs
- Small, narrow, crowded new leaves (little leaf, rosette).
- Yellowing between the veins of new leaves.
- Common at high pH, in cold wet soil, on levelled or eroded land, and where phosphorus is high.
What favors it
High pH, high phosphorus, cold wet soil, low organic matter, and land-levelled subsoil.
Prevention
- Keep pH in range and phosphorus at soil-test levels rather than above them.
- Include zinc in micronutrient mixes.
Often confused with
Sources
- The Importance of Zinc in Vegetable Crop Nutrition in North CarolinaNC State Extension
- Zinc and Iron DeficienciesColorado State University Extension
- Nutrient Deficiency of Trees and ShrubsUniversity of Maryland Extension
Treatment by crop
Cultural, biological and chemical options in the order to use them, and notes written for each crop.
Identification is free. Treatment is on the Home and Pro plans.
Questions in the key that lead here
- Look the plant over, leaf undersides included. Are insects, mites, slugs, eggs, webbing or droppings on it?
No, only damage or discoloration - Where is the problem?
Leaves - What does the leaf damage look like?
Color change without distinct spots - Where did the color change start?
Newest, upper leaves - What do the new leaves look like?
Small, narrow and bunched up
Not a match? Start the key or describe what you see.
More from university Extension: search Extension pages on zinc deficiency, or find a plant diagnostic lab through your state's Extension.