Manganese deficiency

Broad beans showing internal cavities caused by manganese deficiency

Manganese deficiency is a plant disorder that is often confused with, and occurs with, iron deficiency. Most common in poorly drained soils, also where organic matter levels are high. Manganese may be unavailable to plants where pH is high.

Affected plants include onion, apple, peas, beans, cherry and raspberry

Symptoms

Symptoms include yellowing of leaves with smallest leaf veins remaining green to produce a ‘chequered’ effect. The plant may seem to grow away from the problem so that younger leaves may appear to be unaffected. Brown spots may appear on leaf surfaces, and severely affected leaves turn brown and wither.

Prevention

Prevention can be achieved by improving soil structure. Do not over-lime.

Examples

French beans

Pea

Pea

Runner bean