The Diagnosis of Mineral Deficiencies in Plants by Visual Symptoms A Colour Atlas and Guide

DURING recent years one of the most important advances in relation to the growth of field crops has been the recognition of the important part played by minute traces of elements other than those usually applied as fertilizers. Deficiency of any essential nutrient is reflected in some way in the growth and colour of the plant, and Dr. Wallace has performed a useful service to all agriculturists by collecting and describing a series of one hundred and fourteen colour photographs of various crops showing mineral deficiencies. The aim is to provide a means whereby deficiencies can be recognized and rectified at an early stage of growth, so enabling a full crop to be obtained. A scheme is indicated whereby land of unknown cropping potentialities can be tested by growing a series of indicator plants with various fertilizer treatments, the indicators being selected for their special susceptibility to a wide range of deficiencies. Where a visual diagnosis is doubtful the matter can often be settled by simple methods of spraying, responses to such treatments usually appearing within ten or fourteen days. Special attention has been given to the most urgent questions of war-time production, deficiencies such as copper, zinc and sulphur, which are not known as practical problems in Great Britain, being omitted. The illustrations, with the accompanying diagnostic key, provide a fund of most useful information.The Diagnosis of Mineral Deficiencies in Plants by Visual Symptoms A Colour Atlas and Guide.Dr.T.Wallace By. Pp. vi + 116 + 114 plates. (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1943.) 10s. net.