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Potassium plays a vital role in citrus fruit aiding in protein synthesis, sugar formation and many enzyme reactions that affect almost every plant function. Through these processes, potassium positively affects yields through enhancement of the flavor, size, and weight of the fruit crop. Additionally adequate levels of potassium in the tree allow it to better weather extreme stresses such as cold, drought, disease etc.
Citrus trees exhibit potassium deficiency on older leaves at first with a yellowing of the tips and margins that then extends more broadly. Normal balanced fertilization will not induce a K deficiency, but high rates of N fertilizers can create one. It is important to always apply potassium at a rate equal to N on citrus.
Potassium deficiency in citrus fruit can cause…
- Thin canopy and reduced growth
- Reduced fruit acid content
- Damage more likely due to cold and drought
- Early fruit drop