Iron Chlorosis

Description

Iron chlorosis is one of the most common abiotic disorders affecting plants in Utah. While Utah’s soils are high in iron, the pH of the soil makes iron less available to susceptible plants. Plants suffering from iron chlorosis have a diagnostic yellow leaf with green veins. In some cases, interveinal or marginal necrosis can occur. Plants chronically affected by iron chlorosis will eventually fade and die, but the process takes many years. Stress caused by a decrease in the ability of the plant to produce food makes affected plants prone to attack by pests and diseases.

Management

Select plants that are not susceptible to iron chlorosis. Affected plants may be treated (with varying results) using foliar, soil or injectable iron products. For more information on management of iron chlorosis, see Utah State University’s fact sheet Control of Iron Chlorosis in Ornamental and Crop Plants.