In this Brassica carinata (Ethiopian mustard) research update, we highlight the symptoms of manganese deficiency. These images are part of a project by the Southeast Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC) to develop a diagnostic series for the identification of nutrient disorders of Carinata. Carinata is an exciting new crop in the Southeast used for a wide variety of primary and secondary agricultural products including cover crops, feedstock, high protein meal, and jet fuel. It is similar in management to canola given both canola and carinata are winter annual Brassica oilseed crops. However, carinata oil is not edible.

Manganese (Mn) is essential for various enzymatic processes in plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, hormonal regulation, and protein synthesis. The redox properties of Mn, where by Mn²⁺ ↔ Mn³⁺ + e^-, catalyzes many oxidation-reduction processing in plants. Manganese deficiency can induce increased uptake of copper (Cu²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), and possibly iron (Fe²⁺) as the plant attempts to compensate for the lack of Mn²⁺ in a process known as compensatory uptake.

Manganese nutrient deficiency symptoms were observed later in growth trials than most other nutrients. When trying to diagnose a deficiency, look specifically at the upper foliage, as Mn is an immobile element and cannot translocate from the lower foliage to the upper foliage, where it is needed. Be advised that Mn nutrition can interfere with copper uptake, and vice-versa.

The plants were in the advanced stages of vegetative growth before symptomology emerged. The plants showed a general paling of the entire plant when compared with the control (Figure 1). This paling was more pronounced on the mid and upper foliage (Figure 2A and Figure 2B). More research is needed to document later stages of Mn deficiency. To ensure proper diagnosis the above material should be used in conjunction with a leaf tissue sample and / or field test

Figure 1. The plant on the left received all its essential macro and micro nutrients while the plant on the right is experience manganese deficiency. Note specifically the pale coloration of the plant especially along the upper portions.

Forensic Floriculture, 2018

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Figure 1. The plant on the left received all its essential macro and micro nutrients while the plant on the right is experience manganese deficiency. Note specifically the pale coloration of the plant especially along the upper portions.

Forensic Floriculture, 2018

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Figure 2A. Manganese deficient plants showed a paling coloration (right leaf). You can see this coloration was more developed in the upper (this photo) and mid (Figure 2B) foliage.

Forensic Floriculture, 2018

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Figure 2A. Manganese deficient plants showed a paling coloration (right leaf). You can see this coloration was more developed in the upper (this photo) and mid (Figure 2B) foliage.

Forensic Floriculture, 2018

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Figure 2B. Manganese deficient plants showed a paling coloration (right leaf). You can see this coloration was more developed in the upper (Figure 2A) and mid (this photo) foliage.

Forensic Floriculture, 2018

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Figure 2B. Manganese deficient plants showed a paling coloration (right leaf). You can see this coloration was more developed in the upper (Figure 2A) and mid (this photo) foliage.

Forensic Floriculture, 2018

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We would like to thank the following for grant assistance on this project:

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