Integrative Biology Journals

JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH ›› 2024, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (1): 24-.DOI: 10.1007/s11676-023-01656-9

• Short Communication • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Is magnesium deficiency the major cause of needle chlorosis of Pinus taeda in Brazil?

Antônio Carlos Vargas Motta1, Shizuo Maeda2, Valdécio dos Santos dos Santos Rodrigues1, Tamires Maiara Ercole1,d, Stephen Arthur Prior3, Ana Elisa Lyra Brumat1, Amanda Pacheco Cardoso Moura4, Julierme Zimmer Barbosa5, João Bosco Vasconcellos Gomes2   

  1. 1 Department of Soil Sciences and Agriculture Engineering,, Federal University of Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540., CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
    2 Brazilian Agricultural Research Company, Embrapa Florestas, Estr. da Ribeira–Br-476, Km 111–Parque Monte Castelo., CEP 83411-000, Colombo, Paraná, Brazil
    3 United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, 411 South Donahue Drive, 36832, Auburn, AL, USA
    4 Reforestation Remasa, Rodovia PR 170–Km 522., CEP 84640-000, Bituruna, Paraná, Brazil
    5 Federal Institute of Southeast of Minas Gerais, R. Luz Interior, 360., CEP 36030-713, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
  • Received:2023-02-22 Accepted:2023-04-26 Online:2024-10-16 Published:2024-10-16
  • Contact: Tamires Maiara Ercole

Abstract:

Needle chlorosis (NC) in Pinus taeda L. systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles. In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis (YNC), trees were grown in soils originating from contrasting parent materials, and soils and needles (whole, green and chlorotic portions) from 1- and 2-year-old branches and the first and second needle flush release at four sites with YNC on P. taeda were analyzed for various elements and properties. All soils had very low base levels (Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+) and P, suggesting a possible lack of multiple elements. YNC symptoms started at needle tips, then extended toward the needle base with time. First flush needles had longer portions with YNC than second flush needles did. Needles from the lower crown also had more symptoms along their length than those higher in the canopy. Symptoms were similar to those reported for Mg. In chlorotic portions, Mg and Ca concentrations were well below critical values; in particular, Mg levels were only one third of the critical value of 0.3 g kg−1. Collectively, results suggest that Mg deficiency is the primary reason for NC of P. taeda in various parent soils in Brazil.

Key words: Nutritional deficiency, Forest management, Soil depletion, Pine foliar analysis, Needle chlorosis