Micronutrient disorders in eucalypt plantations: Causes, symptoms, identification, impact and management

Dell, B., Xu, D.P., Rogers, C. and Huang, L. (2003) Micronutrient disorders in eucalypt plantations: Causes, symptoms, identification, impact and management. In: Wei, R.P. and Xu, D.P., (eds.) Eucalyptus plantations: research, management and development. Proceedings of the international symposium, Guangzhou, China, 1-6 September 2002. World Scientific Pub. Co, Singapore, pp. 241-252.

Abstract

Micronutrient disorders, especially B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, have been recorded for eucalypts in nearly all the geographical regions where commercial plantations have been established. Whilst micronutrient disorders are often induced by the application of fertilisers containing only macronutrients, instances of primary B deficiency in China and Cu deficiency in Australia have been recently documented. Increasing records of micronutrient disorders in plantation eucalypts suggests that the capacity of micronutrients to limit productivity has not been adequately recognised in the past. Dramatic growth responses can occur with corrective fertilisation particularly where a micronutrient deficiency has been debilitating for growth. However, where deficiencies of elements have resulted in severe crown dieback and loss of form, it is very difficult to restart growth with good form. This paper describes the visual impact of micronutrient disorders on eucalypts in plantations, their effect on wood production and wood quality, and explores strategies for micronutrient management.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology
Publisher:	World Scientific Pub. Co
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/23870

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