The use of citric acid sprays to control iron deficient chlorosis on local fruit trees

Abstract

Fruit trees growing on highly calcareous soils are prone to suffer from lime induced iron deficiency. The high bicarbonate content causes an inactivation of the iron present in the leaves so that it could not be utilized in the generation of chlorophyll. It is well known and proven fact that many a time chlorotic leaves contain more iron than healthy green ones. This has led researchers over the years to try to unravel the mechanisms involved in unlocking the present iron from the inactive to the active state.