Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulfur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Zn Zinc

Cocoa - Chlorosis

Symptoms
All leaves – young and old – turn pale green or yellow but are of normal size and thickness. On older leaves, the yellowing may be patchy or blotchy, giving the plant a mottled appearance. Younger leaves may initially go bright yellow before changing to a paler yellow-green color. Leaf veins are often paler than the lamina.

Reasons
Sulfur deficiency. S deficiency in cocoa is rare.

Cocoa - Chlorosis

Symptoms
All leaves – young and old – turn pale green or yellow but are of normal size and thickness. On older leaves, the yellowing may be patchy or blotchy, giving the plant a mottled appearance. Younger leaves may initially go bright yellow before changing to a paler yellow-green color. Leaf veins are often paler than the lamina.

Reasons
Sulfur deficiency (mild to severe symptoms, from left to right). S deficiency in cocoa is rare.

Cocoa - Chlorosis

Symptoms
All leaves – young and old – turn pale green or yellow but are of normal size and thickness. On older leaves, the yellowing may be patchy or blotchy, giving the plant a mottled appearance. Younger leaves may initially go bright yellow before changing to a paler yellow-green color. Leaf veins are often paler than the lamina.

Reasons
Sulfur deficiency. S deficiency in cocoa is rare.

Sulfur deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic soils
  • Light, sandy soils (leaching)
  • Low organic matter
  • Poorly aerated soils (waterlogged soils
  • ) Areas with low industrial emissions

Sulfur is important for

  • Component of enzymes and other proteins
  • Necessary for chlorophyll formation and efficient N-utilization