What is Copper Deficiency in plants?

Copper (Cu) deficiency occurs when plants do not receive an adequate supply of this essential micronutrient. Copper plays a crucial role in various plant processes including photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and lignin formation (structural component of cell walls). Plants deficient in copper can exhibit a range of symptoms and experience reduced growth and increased susceptibility to diseases.

What are the symptoms of Copper Deficiency?

Chlorosis – common symptom – yellowing of young leaves, typically starts at leaf tips and margins.
Necrosis – as the deficiency progresses, dead areas may develop on leaf edges or between the veins which may turn brown and crispy.
Stunted growth – including shorter stems, smaller leaves and general lack of vigour.
Distorted or twisted growth – affecting overall plant appearance.
Poor fruit/seed development.

Copper Deficiency in Lonicera

How should you manage Copper Deficiency?

To avoid a deficiency and optimise plant growth, we recommend including our Micromax Premium fine granular fertiliser in growing media mixes – proving a long-lasting supply of essential trace elements for up to 16 months.

To guard against copper deficiency, check and adjust the pH of the soil/growing media if it is too alkaline. The risk of copper deficiency increasing at higher pH, such as in peat free media. We therefore recommend using a higher rate of Micromax Premium in peat-free mixes.

Water quality is also important. Hard water for irrigation can cause similar problems by raising the media pH.

To rectify a copper deficiency, we recommend applying our water soluble Micromax WS TE mix. This premium water-soluble fertiliser contains all the essential trace elements, in the correct proportions, in chelated form.