Nutrients

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

Cocoa - Deformation

Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are found mainly on younger leaves. They are narrow and elongated with wavy margins, sometimes forming a sickle shape. Leaf veins may show a reddish colour. Chlorotic patches may develop between the veins.

Reasons
Zinc deficiency. Zinc supplies need to be maintained to support growth across the life of the plantation. Deficiency problems are worse on high pH soils (>pH 7.0) and exacerbated in highly or recently limed soils. In acid, sandy soils with high rainfall, Zn may be leached.

Cocoa - Deformation

Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are found mainly on younger leaves. They are narrow and elongated with wavy margins, sometimes forming a sickle shape. Leaf veins may show a reddish colour. Chlorotic patches may develop between the veins.

Reasons
Zinc deficiency. Zinc supplies need to be maintained to support growth across the life of the plantation. Deficiency problems are worse on high pH soils (>pH 7.0) and exacerbated in highly or recently limed soils. In acid, sandy soils with high rainfall, Zn may be leached.

Zinc deficiency made worse by

  • Organic soils
  • High pH soils
  • Soils rich in phosphorus
  • Soils receiving high phosphorus application
  • Cold wet conditions

Zinc is important for

  • Improves flower bud development
  • Improves the quality of flowering
  • Better fruit set
  • Optimizes leaf quality and vegetative growth
  • Improves resistance to cold weather