Peach - Discolouration
Symptoms
In autumn, leaves may turn dark green with bronze-like or purple tints. Generally, foliage is small and sparse.
Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency
Visual leaf symptoms are rarely observed.
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
- New growth is more vigorous and healthy
- Number of flowers may increase
- Fruit size and shape improved
- Fruit quality generally enhanced (firmness, storage)
- Fruit maturity may be advanced
