As Planted Passion’s demand increases in the avocado industry the most common limiting factor we are observing is issues with Zinc. It is the most common yield limiting trace element in agriculture, maybe even greater than Boron.

To truly understand Zinc you also need to acknowledge it’s close relationship with Phosphorus.

The close relationship being a 10:1 ratio of Phosphorus to Zinc in the soil. The further apart the ratio is, the greater the performance issue. To diagnose the extent of the issue, a lab soil test and leaf test is required.

Many agronomy consultants and avocado growers identify Zinc as a serious concern but there is lack of appreciation for Phosphorus due to the minimal volume taken off in crop removal.

Role of Zinc

• Aids plant growth hormones and enzyme systems.
• Helps in pollination and seed, fruit formation.
• Necessary for protein synthesis and membrane function.
• Influences plant hormone proteins such as auxin development.
• Active in chlorophyll synthesis and manufacturing of carbohydrates.
• Causes healthy root growth, leading to enhanced yield.

Planted Passion’s approach has always been to prioritise and create a soil with a better balance of nutrition.

Zinc deficiency symptoms

• Leaves are smaller and narrower than normal, and the entire plant can be stunted.
• Malformation of foliage and reduced fruit set.
• Yellow or chlorophyll striping.
• Older and middle leaves display chlorotic with necrotic areas.
• Shortened internodes.
• In fruit crops ‘rosette’ or ‘little leaf’ develops due to jammed internodes.
• The growth of sprigs is inhibited, and young shoots can die.

Factors affecting deficiency

• Low organic matter soils, High pH soils, light and sandy soils.
• Excessive Sulphur and Phosphorus content in the soil solution will result in immobilisation of Zinc.
• Conditions in which root development is restricted such as compacted and cold, wet soils will negatively affect Zinc availability.
• High available Phosphorus can accentuate Zinc deficiency as well as high Nitrogen fertilisation.
• Lack of Zinc fertilisation and wrong timing which limit plants nutritional uptake and allocation.

If any of this information is providing insight into your avocado production experience, please reach out to see how Planted Passion may assist you.