Integrated nutrient management in mango

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Role and deficiency symptoms of potassium in Mango

Plants deficient in potassium are less resistant
to drought, excess water, and high and low
temperatures. They are also less resistant to
pests, diseases and nematode attacks.
Potassium is known to activate at least sixty
enzymes involved in plant growth and this may be
its most important function in the plant.

Potassium is also known as the quality nutrient
because of its important effects on quality
factors such as size, shape, color, taste, shelf
life, fiber quality and other quality
measurements.
Potassium plays a vital role in photosynthesis,
translocation of photosynthates, protein
synthesis, control of ionic balance, regulation
of plant stomata and water use, activation of
plant enzymes, and, many other processes.
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Potassium plays a vital role in photosynthesis,
translocation of photosynthates, protein
synthesis, control of ionic balance, regulation
of plant stomata and water use, activation of
plant enzymes, and, many other processes.
To maintain sustainability of soil and growth of
the tree it is important to supply potassium
partially through inorganic and partially through
organic source.

Before adapting integrated nutrient management
practice in mango, it is important to know the
role and deficiency symptoms of potassium on
mango . Therefore in this RLO you will learn the
role and deficiency symptoms of potassium on
mango.
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Objective

• After completing this lesson, you will be able to
  
• Describe the role, symptoms of deficiency and
  excess of potassium in mango

4
Role of potassium in Mango
The quality of the fruits, especially coloration
of the skin, aroma, size, and shelf life, is
improved when there is adequate K.

K also increases the ability of the plant to
withstand stress conditions, such as dry, cold,
salinity and attacks of diseases and pests.
It is essential for formation and synthesis of
proteins and CHO in plants.
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Role of potassium in Mango
It helps in formation of stiff stems and healthy
root system.

Also promotes cell formation-highly mobile in
plants.
The quality of the fruits, especially coloration
of the skin, aroma, size, and shelf life, is
improved when there is adequate K.
It counteracts the adverse effects of excessive
nitrogen.
6
Deficiency symptoms
Potassium deficiency symptoms occur in the oldest
leaves as small red spots, irregularly
distributed.

The leaves are smaller and thinner than normal.
With a more pronounced shortage of K, the spots
coalesce and the leaf suffers necrosis along the
edges.
Leaf necrosis on older leaves
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Deficiency symptoms
The leaves fall only when they are completely
dead.

K deficiency caused die back which proved fatal
to the plants.
Tip burn and marginal necrosis are the main
symptoms of K deficiency.
Marginal necrosis
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Deficiency symptoms
Scattered yellow spot, necrotic areas along the
margin of small thin leaves.

An excess of K may cause an imbalance in the
levels of Ca and Mg, which also causes browning
along the edges and apex of the older leaves.
Potassium deficiency on older leaf