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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Identification and confirmation: Mineral deficiency

Symptoms of common deficiencies
Nitrogen
Nitrogen (on rhododendron)
Older leaves, needles are yellowish; new growth sparse, undersized; plants grow slowly and may drop foliage prematurely.
 Iron or maganses
Iron or manganese (on toyon)
New foliage small and yellowish, except green along veins; dead spots may develop between veins or on leaf tips; leaves drop prematurely.		 Potassium
Potassium (on palm)
Foliage is sparse; older foliage is yellowish and may have brown tips and margins near leaf edge or between veins.
Zinc
Zinc (on almond) Leaves yellowish; new growth may be delayed; new leaves may be small, narrow; foliage may be purplish.		 Phosphorus
Phosphorus (on pear) Foliage dark green, bluish, or may develop spots; shoots short and spindly; slow growth.		  

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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