Magnesium deficiency: what it is, how it occurs, and how to solve it

Magnesium deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis, beginning in older leaves and progressing to newer leaves if not corrected.

Typical symptoms:
• Yellowing between the veins of older leaves (interveinal chlorosis).
• Leaf margins remain green while the center turns yellow.
• Small or wilted leaves.
• Loss of vigor and slow plant growth.
• In severe cases, leaves show necrotic spots and premature leaf drop.
• Decreased fruit and seed production.

Magnesium deficiency progresses gradually and affects the plant's photosynthetic capacity and overall metabolism, compromising yield and harvest quality.

Developmental stages:
• Initial: interveinal chlorosis in older leaves, while the veins remain green.
• Intermediate stage: more intense chlorosis and the appearance of necrotic spots.
• Advanced: leaves with dead tissue and premature leaf drop.
• Final: growth stopped, small or deformed fruits and loss of yield.