HortFACT - Visual Symptoms Of Nutrient Disorders In Tamarillos
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DEFICIENCIES
Photo 10a (19K) | 
Photo 10b (18K) | 
Photo 10c (13K) |
The first sign of magnesium deficiency is pale green interveinal chlorosis which starts at the leaf margin spreading towards the midrib, leaving a zone of healthy tissue either side of the main vein. In some cases an area of green tissue is also retained at the point of petiole attachment and leaf tip. As the deficiency becomes more pronounced, the chlorotic regions become pale yellow followed by the spread of interveinal necrosis from margin to midrib; defoliation eventually follows (Photos 10a and 10b). Magnesium deficiency also reduces the growth of the plant (Photo 10c).
The concentration of magnesium in the leaves showing symptoms was 0.04% dry matter.
Photo 11a (18K) | 
Photo 11b (22K) |
Nitrogen deficiency severely reduces the growth of the tamarillo plant (Photo 11a). The recently matured leaves are affected first showing pale green interveinal chlorosis and noticeably pale leaf margins. Leaf shape is rounder than normal, and tends to be leathery and brittle (Photo 11b).
The concentration of nitrogen in the leaves showing symptoms was less than 2% dry matter.
Photo 12a (31K) | 
Photo 12b (28K) |
Symptoms of manganese deficiency include the appearance of small chlorotic spots, which later develop necrotic centres, on the recently matured leaves (Photo 12a). Initially the necrotic spotting is confined to tissue near the main veins, but as the deficiency develops it spreads to the leaf margin with the spots coalescing to form large areas of dead tissue (Photo 12b). The chlorotic tissue also becomes more intense. Downward cupping of the leaves is also a symptom of manganese deficiency.
The concentration of manganese in the leaves showing symptoms was below 25 ppm dry matter.
Photo 13a (27K) | 
Photo 13b (24K) | 
Photo 13c (24K) |
A lack of sulphur induced a general yellow-green chlorosis of the recently matured leaves which eventually spread to all leaves on the plant (Photo 13a). However, there is a tendency for the oldest leaves to remain more green than the other leaves. Distinctive yellow spots may also develop on the already chlorotic tissue (Photos 13b and c). A halo effect is created when the centre of these spots become necrotic (Photo 13b).
The concentration of sulphur in the leaves showing symptoms was 0.08% dry matter.
TOXICITIES
Photo 14a (14K) | 
Photo 14b (20K) | 
Photo 14c (29K) |
The first symptom of manganese toxicity is the development of a yellow interveinal chlorosis of all leaves with the recently matured leaves being the worst affected (Photo 14a). Continued exposure to excess manganese results in the appearance of large chocolate coloured necrotic spots which spread from the recently matured leaves to both the older and younger leaves (Photos 14a and b). There may also be a downward cupping of the oldest leaves (Photo 14c).
The concentration of manganese in the leaves showing severe symptoms was in excess of 4500 ppm dry matter.
Photo 15a (12K) | 
Photo 15b (17K) | 
Photo 15c (18K) |
Excess copper results in a yellow-green chlorosis which affects all leaves (Photo 15a). In addition, the youngest mature leaf may also develop an irregular orange-brown marginal chlorosis (Photo 15b). As these leaves mature the necrotic patches enlarge and eventually the leaf dies. The size of the affected leaves is also drastically reduced (Photo 15c).
The concentration of copper in the leaves showing severe symptoms were in excess of 45 ppm dry matter.