NC State Extension Publications

Problem

Skip to Problem

Nutritional disorder – iron (Fe) deficiency.

Symptoms

Skip to Symptoms

Iron (Fe) deficiency does not readily occur under field conditions. To better catalog this deficiency, we induced Fe stress under a controlled greenhouse study.

In NC State University trials, interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) developed on the youngest leaves (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Over time the chlorotic areas became more pronounced.

(Descriptions based on the book, Hunger Signs of Crops, 3rd Edition, edited by H.B. Sprague.) Under controlled greenhouse conditions, tobacco plants are stunted when Fe is limited. The upper foliage of the plant develops an interveinal chlorosis, initially as a pale green, then progresses to a yellow and finally bleached appearance (Figure 1). The progression of the symptomology can help diagnose the problem as the symptoms will progress as the starvation of iron progresses. Advanced symptoms are viewable in Figure 3, with the plant on the right.

Iron deficiency develops at an interveinal chlorosis on the uppe

Figure 1. The initial symptoms of iron deficiency develops at an interveinal chlorosis on the upper leaves.

©2017 Forensic Floriculture

The interveinal chlorosis becomes more pronounce over time

Figure 2. As symptoms progress, the interveinal chlorosis becomes more pronounced.

©2017 Forensic Floriculture

Figure 3. Advanced Fe deficiency (right).

Figure 3. Advanced Fe deficiency (right) as compared to the complete control on left..

©2017 Forensic Floriculture

Similar Problems

Skip to Similar Problems

Symptoms appear to be similar to when magnesium is limited, but magnesium deficiency symptoms develop on the lower leaves. The location of the yellowing and interveinal chlorosis can help diagnose between iron (top) and magnesium (lower). Submit a tissue sample for analysis to help diagnose the problem.

Additional Information

Skip to Additional Information

Iron is required is very low concentrations, so deficiencies under field conditions is unlikely.

Diagnostic Tips

Skip to Diagnostic Tips

The sufficiency range for iron is between 50 and 300 ppm for burley tobacco. A slight refinement of the range is available for flue-cured tobacco, with 50 and 300 ppm iron being recommended from planting until maturity, and a lower range of 40 to 200 ppm recommended at harvest for the upper, middle, and lower leaves.

Corrective Measures

Skip to Corrective Measures

Provide iron with your fertilization program.

Management

Skip to Management

Provide iron with your fertilization program.

Funding Source

Skip to Funding Source

Funding was provided in part by the North Carolina Tobacco Foundation.

Project Team

Skip to Project Team

Josh Henry (NC State M.S. student in Horticultural Science), Paul Cockson (NC State B.S. student in Agroecology), Ingram McCall (Research Technician in Horticultural Science), Rhonda Conlon (Extension IT at NC State), Matthew Vann (Tobacco Extension Specialist, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences), and Brian Whipker (Professor of Floriculture and Plant Nutrition in Horticultural Science).

Authors

Assistant Professor & Tobacco Extension Specialist
Crop and Soil Sciences
Graduate Student
Horticultural Science
Undergraduate Researcher
Horticultural Science
Professor: Commercial Floriculture Production
Horticultural Science

Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites:

Publication date: Jan. 1, 2017

NC Cooperative Extension prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, sexo (incluyendo el embarazo), discapacidad, religión, orientación sexual, identidad de género, información genética, afiliación política, y estatus de veteran.

The use of brand names in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University of the products or services named nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.

Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.

N.C. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status.