Symptoms and growth components of feijoa (Acca sellowiana [O. Berg] Burret) plants in response to the missing elements N, P, and K

Abstract

Plants often express deficiencies with visible abnormalities; however, it is necessary to obtain reliable information to make the proper diagnosis about the missing nutrients. Until now, research with this approach has not been carried out for crops such as feijoa (or pineapple guava). For this reason, the present investigation identified and described the symptoms produced in young feijoa plants due to poor fertilization of N, P, and K and its effect on some components of plant growth and development. To achieve this, different treatments were established: complete fertilization (control); complete fertilization -N; complete fertilization -P; complete fertilization -K; and one treatment with no element (negative control, H2O). We determined the symptoms associated with each deficiency by means of a photographic record and the description of the symptoms. Among these nutrients, N deficiency yielded the highest plant detriment, due to lower growth and a global pale green coloration, while -P plants showed foliar malformations and necrosis, -K plants exhibited the brown margin in old leaves, then turning necrotic, while young leaves showed a lack of turgor. Also, lack of N seriously affected apical growth, number of basal and apical shoots, and chlorophyll foliar content, while the -P and -K developed lower growth rate in the shoot than in the control. Such symptoms were registered after two months of treatment. This study indicated that the greatest affectation of the feijoa was due to a lack of nitrogen; and also P and K deficiencies showed symptoms and growth characteristics that were altered in the development of the plants.

Macronutrient omission influences morphological parameters, growth, and yield in Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancroft

“…The observed symptoms are consistent with Souza de Miranda et al [ 31 ] reported in cowpea and Buitrago et al [ 14 ] in feijoa. The generalized chlorosis in adult leaves and the pale green coloration of the leaves are due to the mineral element's high mobility and the loss of chlorophyll that requires N as an essential constituent [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Kochhar and Gujral [ 49 ] described the similar symptoms in this experiment. Excess anthocyanins in some plant species give rise to a slightly purplish color in leaves [ 50 , 51 ], and the dark green color occurs because leaf expansion is inhibited to a greater extent than chlorophyll formation [ 52 ]; Meanwhile, malformations are due to the lack of energy to complete mitosis, thus limiting the correct formation of photosynthetic organs [ 14 ]. When P levels are low in foliar tissues, cell division rates are reduced, affecting tissue expansion, which restricts aerial sprouting and causes a rearrangement in the distribution of photoassimilates to the different plant organs [ 38 ].…”

“…Nutrient deficiencies they affect the biomass distribution pattern between different plant organs and produce specific symptoms that can serve as indicators of nutritional status under field conditions [ 11 ] to distinguish them from other damages caused by inadequate environments, phytopathogens, insect pests, mites, chemical damage or phytotoxicity [ [12] , [13] , [14] ]. Recognition of these visible signs and symptoms is essential to carry out the relevant and necessary actions to mitigate the impacts on growth and yield [ 14 ]. To determine the role of chemical elements in plant metabolic functions, experiments evaluate these functions using soil and nutrient solutions [ 5 ].…”

Accumulation of nutrients during the formation of star fruit cultivars under different irrigation regimes

“…Studies of nutrient uptake are more common in the international literature for annual crops such as vegetables (Adiele et al, 2021) and cereals (Silva et al, 2021), but they are very rare for fruit crops (Buitrago et al, 2021), especially star fruit. This is due to high added value and increasing demand of the international fruit markets.…”

Postharvest physicochemical aspects of Campomanesia lineatifolia R. & P. fruit, a Myrtaceae with commercial potential

“…The fruit are yellow berries at harvest, approximately 25 g, with a very good taste and aroma (Álvarez-Herrera et al, 2009a), which are consumed fresh or in derived products and are highly desired by consumers. C. lineatifolia has a high commercial potential, as seen in other myrtaceae such as arazá (Eugenia stipitata; Carrillo et al, 2011), gabiroba (Campomanesia adamantium; Do Santos et al, 2021), feijoa (Acca sellowiana; Buitrago et al, 2021) and guava (Psidium guajava; Fischer and Melgarejo, 2021). It is being introduced in the different markets of Colombia (Balaguera-López and Herrera, 2012a; Porras et al, 2020).…”