top of page
idMicrobe: Tool to recognize plant diseases and consult home treatments

The Guide to Caring for Your Plants

Learn to recognize pests and how to combat them

Symptoms, treatments and recommendations for treating potassium deficiency in fruit

Potassium Deficiency

-

Pathogen:

Type:

Nutritional disorder

Risk:

INTERMEDIATE

Symptoms, treatments and recommendations for treating potassium deficiency in fruit

Frutos

Deficiencia de Potasio

Potassium deficiency in plants: symptoms and visible damage in fruit
1709890758744.png

WHO CAUSES IT?

Potassium deficiency is a physiological and nutritional disorder caused by insufficient potassium availability to meet the crop's needs. Potassium is an essential macronutrient involved in regulating water balance, stomatal opening and closing, activating numerous enzymes, transporting sugars and other photoassimilates, protein synthesis, and regulating cell osmotic pressure. Unlike structural nutrients such as calcium, potassium is highly mobile within the plant and can be redistributed from older tissues to younger or high-demand organs when a deficiency exists. For this reason, the first symptoms usually appear in mature leaves, while the consequences for fruit are especially evident when the deficiency coincides with periods of rapid growth and sugar accumulation. Potassium absorption occurs primarily through the roots and depends on its concentration in the soil solution, moisture, temperature, root activity, and the soil's physical and chemical characteristics. Sandy, highly leached soils, or soils with low cation exchange capacity may exhibit reduced potassium retention. Furthermore, high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, or certain fertilizers can create imbalances that hinder its absorption. Drought, excess water, soil compaction, or any significant alteration of the root system can also reduce the effective availability of this nutrient. In fruits, potassium is especially important during growth and ripening, as it participates in the transport and accumulation of sugars, the regulation of water content, and the formation of tissues with adequate firmness. Therefore, a persistent deficiency can reduce fruit size, alter quality, and hinder uniform ripening. There is no infection, reproduction, or spread of a causal organism; rather, it is a nutritional imbalance whose occurrence and severity depend on potassium availability, root absorption capacity, and environmental and growing conditions.

1713099015053 (2).png

SYMPTOMS

Potassium deficiency in fruit can cause alterations in its growth, ripening, firmness, color, and quality. The severity of the symptoms depends on the species, variety, duration of the deficiency, and when it occurs. When potassium supply is insufficient during the growth and ripening phases, fruit may develop below its usual size and exhibit insufficient accumulation of sugars and other quality-related compounds. Uneven ripening may also occur, with color variations between different areas of the fruit, reduced firmness, and inferior organoleptic qualities. In some species, deformed or unevenly developed fruit may appear, especially when the deficiency is severe and prolonged. Impaired water balance regulation can also lead to a loss of turgor and increased sensitivity to stress. Potassium deficiency can also reduce the overall resistance of tissues and increase the crop's susceptibility to certain environmental factors and diseases, although these consequences do not, in themselves, constitute an infectious disease. Small fruit / Deformation / Uneven ripening / Uneven coloring / Loss of firmness / Dehydration / Uneven fruit development / Reduced quality

Damage caused by potassium deficiency in fruit
Potassium deficiency in fruit: how to recognize and effectively treat it
Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders
1709890758650.png

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

-

-

1709890758697.png

TRANSMISSION ROUTES

-

Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

1709890758673.png

TREATMENTS

Chemical treatments

• SOLUBLE POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS: Potassium sulfate, potassium chloride; rapid absorption through soil or fertigation.

• CONTROLLED-RELEASE/ENCAPSULATED FERTILIZERS: Gradual release, ideal for long-cycle crops.

• ORGANIC FERTILIZERS + POTASSIUM: Compost, humus, plant ash; improve fertility and organic matter.

• FERTILIZERS WITH AMINO ACIDS + POTASSIUM: Rapid absorption through foliar application or fertigation, with added micronutrients.

Authorized treatments in organic farming

• SOLUBLE POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS: Potassium sulfate, potassium chloride; rapid absorption through soil or fertigation.

• CONTROLLED-RELEASE/ENCAPSULATED FERTILIZERS: Gradual release, ideal for long-cycle crops.

• ORGANIC FERTILIZERS + POTASSIUM: Compost, humus, plant ash; improve fertility and organic matter.

• FERTILIZERS WITH AMINO ACIDS + POTASSIUM: Rapid absorption through foliar application or fertigation, with added micronutrients.

Biological control

-

Recommendations

• Conduct a soil analysis when potassium deficiency is suspected to determine its actual availability before increasing fertilizer doses.

• Maintain balanced fertilization adapted to the specific needs of the crop and its stage of development.

• Apply potassium fertilizers when analyses indicate insufficient availability and the crop has a high demand.

• Adjust potassium doses considering the crop's expected uptake and the anticipated yield.

• Avoid excessive potassium applications, as a high application rate can cause imbalances with other nutrients, especially calcium and magnesium.

• Split potassium applications when soil characteristics or crop needs make gradual release advisable.

• Maintain relatively stable soil moisture to promote continuous potassium uptake by the roots.

• Avoid prolonged periods of drought that reduce root activity and hinder nutrient absorption.

• Also avoid prolonged waterlogging, which can reduce soil oxygenation and impair root function.
• Improve drainage where water frequently accumulates around the root system.

• Avoid soil compaction and promote a structure that allows for adequate root expansion and activity.

• Maintain a healthy and active root system, preventing damage during transplanting, cultivation, or work around the plants.

• Pay special attention to sandy soils or soils with low cation exchange capacity, where potassium can be lost more easily.

• Avoid excessive irrigation, which can promote potassium leaching, especially in light soils.

• Maintain adequate levels of organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient retention capacity.

• Monitor for potential imbalances between potassium, calcium, and magnesium that could interfere with the absorption of these nutrients.

• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which leads to excessive vegetative growth and increases the crop's nutritional requirements. • Ensure an adequate supply of potassium during periods of peak demand, especially during fruit growth and ripening.

• Use potassium sources appropriate to the soil characteristics, avoiding those that unnecessarily increase salinity when it is a problem.

• Monitor the electrical conductivity of the soil or nutrient solution in intensively fertilized crops.

• Periodically observe the size, color, firmness, and uniformity of the fruit to detect any nutritional deficiencies early.

• Supplement soil analysis with foliar analysis when necessary to confirm the plant's nutritional status.

• Correct any irrigation, drainage, or root problems that may be hindering potassium absorption before increasing fertilizer doses.

• Remove severely affected fruit once it has lost its commercial value and correct the underlying nutritional conditions.

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Insecticidal soap

Insecticidal soap

Home treatment. Eco-friendly

Sponsored link

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Sponsored link

Fruit fly traps

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Sponsored link

Treatment against snails and slugs

Treatment against snails and slugs

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

100% ecological fungicide

Sponsored link

Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Sponsored link

Light traps for insects

Light traps for insects

Solar trap for outside

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Adhesive traps for insects

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Lime for whitewashing

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Sponsored link

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Mature compost. Worm castings

Mature compost. Worm castings

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your product

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% organic diatomaceous earth

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Beetle traps

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Snail and slug traps

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

1709890758673.png

TREATMENTS

Homemade remedies

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

1709890758720.png

RECOMMENDATIONS

1714749024044.png

REPELLENT PLANTS

EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS TO ELIMINATE THIS DISEASE

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Home treatment. Eco-friendly

Insecticidal soap

Home treatment. Eco-friendly

Sponsored link

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Bacillus Thuringiensis BT Organic Worm & Caterpillar Control

Eco-friendly. Respectful of animals, the environment, and people.

Sponsored link

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Fruit fly traps

Non-Toxic. Reusable. For indoor and outside

Sponsored link

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Treatment against snails and slugs

Granulated bait, attractive, safe and fast.

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% ecological fungicide

Natural Pesticide, Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide, Spider Mites, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis and Mold

100% ecological fungicide

Sponsored link

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Nematodes - Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Biological Pest Control for Fungus Gnats, Thrips, & Whiteflies

Sponsored link

Solar trap for outside

Light traps for insects

Solar trap for outside

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Anti-ant adhesive tape

Tree protection. Easy to use.

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Adhesive traps for insects

For orchards, terraces and flower pots.

Sponsored link

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Insecticide, fungicide, acaricide and nematicide spraying

100% organic. For indoor and outdoor use

Sponsored link

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Lime for whitewashing

Insect Barrier/Repellent

Sponsored link

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Fungus Gnat Killer & Bug Spray

For outdoor and indoor use. Pet friendly

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Mature compost. Worm castings

100% Natural. Soil Restorative

Sponsored link

Your products closer to your customers

Your product

Your products closer to your customers

Sponsored link

Sponsored link

Natural insecticide against insects

100% organic diatomaceous earth

Natural insecticide against insects

Sponsored link

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Beetle traps

Ideal for ornamentals, flowers and shrubs.

Sponsored link

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Trap for Tuta absoluta

Attracts and traps tomato moths

Sponsored link

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Snail and slug traps

Ideal for orchards, gardens and pots.

Sponsored link

Effective against all types of fungi

Copper-based fungicide - Curative and preventive

Effective against all types of fungi

Sponsored link

*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

project_20250513_2128439-03.jpg

Enjoy idMicrobe TOTALLY FREE, with no trial periods.

button_google_play_EN.png
boton_mobile_Version_EN.jpg

OTHER PESTS

Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

Fruit affected by water stress with symptoms of dehydration and cracking

Water stress

Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage

Weevils

Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot

Watery fruits

Fruit affected by bacterial disease with spots and lesions on the surface

Bacterial infection

Fruit affected by fungi with spots, rot and mold

Mycosis

Fruit with symptoms of boron deficiency and developmental deformities

Boron Deficiency

Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure

Excessive sun

Fruit damaged by snails and slugs with bites and eroded areas

Snails and/or slugs

Fruit affected by powdery mildew with spots and presence of white powder

Powdery mildew

Fruit affected by downy mildew with spots and damaged areas

Mildew

Fruit affected by Alternaria with dark spots and areas of rot

Alternaria

Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit affected by monilia with brown spots and rot

Moniliosis or brown rot

Fruit affected by Botrytis with rot and gray mold

Botrytis or gray mold

Fruit affected by bed bugs with bites and spots on the surface

Bed bugs

Fruit damaged by beetles with holes and bites on the surface

Beetles

Fruit affected by anthracnose with dark spots and sunken lesions

Anthracnose

bottom of page