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Mn Deficiency

Mn Deficiency

Physiological

Description

Manganese (Mn) deficiency typically occurs in alkaline soils (pH > 7) or in soils with very high organic-matter content that bind Mn tightly. Manganese is required for photosynthesis and for many plant enzymes. Symptoms resemble iron deficiency but are usually milder — interveinal chlorosis on young leaves, with a characteristic greyish-green cast. Because Mn is an immobile nutrient, symptoms appear first on the young foliage.

Symptoms

  • Interveinal chlorosis on young and mid-aged leaves — green veins, pale grey-green to yellow lamina
    Interveinal chlorosis on young and mid-aged leaves — green veins, pale grey-green to yellow laminaInterveinal chlorosis on young and mid-aged leaves — green veins, pale grey-green to yellow lamina
  • Interveinal chlorosis affects young and mature leaves rather than being restricted to older leaves (unlike N or Mg deficiency)
    Interveinal chlorosis affects young and mature leaves rather than being restricted to older leaves (unlike N or Mg deficiency)Interveinal chlorosis affects young and mature leaves rather than being restricted to older leaves (unlike N or Mg deficiency)Interveinal chlorosis affects young and mature leaves rather than being restricted to older leaves (unlike N or Mg deficiency)
  • Pale grey spots appear on the leaves in severe cases — this spotting is specific to Mn (it does not occur with Fe or Mg)
    Pale grey spots appear on the leaves in severe cases — this spotting is specific to Mn (it does not occur with Fe or Mg)Pale grey spots appear on the leaves in severe cases — this spotting is specific to Mn (it does not occur with Fe or Mg)
  • Slow growth and reduced flowering

Treatment plan

Once chlorosis from Mn deficiency is visible, the fastest remedy is a direct foliar spray for immediate uptake, combined with correction of the soil pH.

  • Step 1 — Adjust soil pH: Manganese is locked up (unavailable to roots) when soil pH > 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, add elemental sulphur or well-rotted manure to bring the pH down to 6.0–6.5.
  • Step 2 — Foliar spray: Apply MnSO₄ at 0.1–0.2% or a micronutrient foliar fertiliser containing manganese chelate (Mn-EDTA) to both leaf surfaces.
  • Step 3 — Prune: Prune off heavily damaged leaves so the plant can channel resources into new growth.

Recommended products

Below are products supplying pure manganese or readily absorbed micronutrient blends:

1. Manganese chelate (Mn-EDTA 13%)

  • Description: The premium form of manganese — 100% uptake through leaves and roots, with no precipitation in the soil.
  • Dosage: 1 g per 2 L of water.
  • Application: Spray evenly to both leaf surfaces in the early morning or late afternoon.
  • Frequency: 2–3 applications, 7–10 days apart, until new growth comes in glossy green.
  • Where to buy: Shopee — Manganese chelate

2. Micrap micronutrient combo (Italian)

  • Description: A blended micronutrient product (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, etc.) in chelate form for easy uptake. Suitable when the plant shows signs of multiple micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Application: Dilute as directed by the manufacturer and apply as a foliar spray or root-zone drench.
  • Frequency: Apply at the label interval to maintain leaf chlorophyll.
  • Where to buy: Lazada — Micrap micronutrients

Note: Add a wetting agent / sticker to your spray mix to reduce wash-off from dew or rain and improve uptake.

Prevention

  • Test soil pH regularly.
  • Apply a balanced micronutrient fertiliser as part of routine feeding.

Recommended products

Manganese chelate (Mn-EDTA 13%)

Manganese chelate (Mn-EDTA 13%)

Role of manganese in plant development: + Catalyses several enzymatic and physiological reactions in the plant — it is a component of pyruvate carboxylase. + Involved in plant respiration. + Activates the enzymes responsible for nitrogen metabolism and chlorophyll synthesis. + Controls the cellular redox state during both the light and dark phases of photosynthesis. The premium form of manganese — 100% uptake through leaves and roots with no precipitation in the soil. Dose 1 g per 2 L of water; spray evenly to both leaf surfaces in the early morning or late afternoon. Apply 2–3 times, 7–10 days apart, until new growth comes in glossy green.

Buy now — Shopee
MICRAP MicroMix micronutrient fertiliser

MICRAP MicroMix micronutrient fertiliser

Prevents deficiencies of mid- and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, etc.) in a chelate form for easy uptake. Produces greener plants, thicker leaves, and stronger photosynthesis. Dilute as directed and apply as a foliar spray or root-zone drench at the label interval to maintain leaf chlorophyll.

Buy now — Shopee

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