1. Lawrence Okinyi ResearchandDevelopment
CHLOROSIS
The term chlorosis in plants refers to the lack of the green pigmentation chlorophyll which
appears as yellowing of the plant tissue. The location of chlorosis in leaves and the
symptoms produced can be a general guide in diagnosing plant nutrient deficiencies
1) Nitrogen (N) deficiency in roses
Main symptoms
 Leaves appear pale green through to general chlorosis,
more pronounced in older leaves.
 Lower leaves appear scorched and show dominant orange
pigments.
The element nitrogen is readily mobile within the plant. The symptoms of nitrogen
deficiency are related to its function in the plant, i.e. for chlorophyll formation and protein
for cell growth. As Sulphur is also an important part of protein, Sulphur and nitrogen may
show similar deficiency symptoms. Nitrogen deficiency occurs in older leaves, while Sulphur
deficiencies appear first in the new growth.
Solutions for nitrogen deficiency in roses
 First check the pH. If it is too high (above 8) or too low (below 5) it will affect the availability of nitrogen.
 Apply nitrogen fertilizer. A liquid fertilizer will give the quickest uptake. A slow release fertilizer will provide a
steady release.
 Ammonium Sulphate, Urea and IBDU will give the quickest release. Check the container for nutrient content
and application rates.

2. Lawrence Okinyi ResearchandDevelopment
2) Iron (Fe) deficiency in roses
Main symptoms
 Usually general chlorosis.
 Whitening of the young leaves with veins remaining thin and green.
The element iron is not mobile in the plant and therefore deficiency symptoms appear in the
younger leaves. Iron is essential for chlorophyll formation even though it is not a part of the
chlorophyll.
Solutions for iron deficiency in roses
 Check the pH of the soil. Iron will not be available to the plant at high pH (7.5
and above). If you have to plant in this type of alkaline soil, you will need to
consider using foliar applications of Ferrous Sulphate.
 For roses growing in soils with an average or slightly acidic pH an application of
Ferrous Sulphate or iron chelates to the soil can be used.

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3) Manganese (Mn) deficiency in roses
Main symptoms
 Starts with interveinal chlorosis of young leaves.
 Next, necrotic tissue may drop out giving the leaf a ragged
appearance.
The element manganese is not mobile in the plant and deficiency symptoms appear on the
young leaves. Manganese plays an important role in chlorophyll production and
carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism.
Solutions for manganese deficiency in roses
 Check the pH of the soil. Manganese becomes less available in alkaline soils.
 Apply a mixture of trace elements. Follow the application rates on the container.

4. Lawrence Okinyi ResearchandDevelopment
4) Magnesium (Mg) deficiency in roses
Main symptoms
 Interveinal chlorosis appears in older leaves, i.e. the veins remain green while the
interveinal areas become chlorotic.
 The only green area remaining is at the leaf tip or a V-shape near the base.
Magnesium is very mobile in the plant and can be transferred from the older to the younger
tissues. Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll formation and it plays an important role of
converting sunlight into usable energy.
Solutions for magnesium deficiency in roses
 Check the pH of the soil. Magnesium does not become available at lower than 6.5.
 Apply magnesium Sulphate (Epsom salt).