Mo deficiency in Poinsettia

Mo deficiency in Poinsettia

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Scientific Name
Molybdenum (Mo)
Atomic Number
42
Atomic Weight u
95.95
Elemental Group
Micro elements (B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) | Micronutrients
Available Forms

Available forms of Molybdenum (Mo) for use in Pot and Bedding Plants

  • Ammonium molybdate ((NHâ‚„)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4Hâ‚‚O) – highly soluble, commonly used in foliar sprays and fertigation.
  • Sodium molybdate (Naâ‚‚MoO₄·2Hâ‚‚O) – soluble, provides Mo for substrate or foliar application.
  • Potassium molybdate (Kâ‚‚MoOâ‚„) – soluble, less common, supplies both K and Mo.
  • Chelated molybdenum (Mo-EDTA) – stable in solution, used in fertigation systems.
  • Mo-enriched micronutrient mixes – controlled-release formulations supplying Mo along with other trace elements.

Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency in Poinsettia – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • Yellowing of older leaves while veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis).
  • Leaf deformation, cupping, or twisting.
  • Stunted growth and poor flowering.
  • Necrotic spots may develop on leaf margins in severe cases.

Causes

  • Low levels of Mo in the growing medium, often in acidic substrates.
  • High soil or substrate pH can limit Mo availability.
  • Excessive nitrogen (especially ammonium-based fertilizers) can inhibit Mo uptake.
  • Leaching in highly porous media can reduce Mo concentration over time.

Correction

  • Apply soluble Mo fertilizers via fertigation or foliar sprays, such as ammonium molybdate or sodium molybdate.
  • Adjust substrate pH to slightly acidic to neutral (around 6–7) to enhance Mo availability.
  • Use moderate levels of nitrogen fertilizers, balancing ammonium and nitrate sources.

Prevention

  • Regularly test substrate for micronutrient levels and pH.
  • Include Mo-containing fertilizers in routine fertilization schedules for Poinsettia.
  • Avoid excessive leaching and overuse of ammonium-based fertilizers.
  • Monitor plant growth and leaf color for early detection of deficiency.

Mo deficiency in Poinsettia

Scientific Name
Molybdenum (Mo)
Atomic Number
42
Atomic Weight u
95.95
Elemental Group
Micro elements (B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) | Micronutrients
Available Forms

Available forms of Molybdenum (Mo) for use in Pot and Bedding Plants

  • Ammonium molybdate ((NHâ‚„)₆Mo₇O₂₄·4Hâ‚‚O) – highly soluble, commonly used in foliar sprays and fertigation.
  • Sodium molybdate (Naâ‚‚MoO₄·2Hâ‚‚O) – soluble, provides Mo for substrate or foliar application.
  • Potassium molybdate (Kâ‚‚MoOâ‚„) – soluble, less common, supplies both K and Mo.
  • Chelated molybdenum (Mo-EDTA) – stable in solution, used in fertigation systems.
  • Mo-enriched micronutrient mixes – controlled-release formulations supplying Mo along with other trace elements.
Mo deficiency in Poinsettia

Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency in Poinsettia – Pot and Bedding Plants

Symptoms

  • Yellowing of older leaves while veins remain green (interveinal chlorosis).
  • Leaf deformation, cupping, or twisting.
  • Stunted growth and poor flowering.
  • Necrotic spots may develop on leaf margins in severe cases.

Causes

  • Low levels of Mo in the growing medium, often in acidic substrates.
  • High soil or substrate pH can limit Mo availability.
  • Excessive nitrogen (especially ammonium-based fertilizers) can inhibit Mo uptake.
  • Leaching in highly porous media can reduce Mo concentration over time.

Correction

  • Apply soluble Mo fertilizers via fertigation or foliar sprays, such as ammonium molybdate or sodium molybdate.
  • Adjust substrate pH to slightly acidic to neutral (around 6–7) to enhance Mo availability.
  • Use moderate levels of nitrogen fertilizers, balancing ammonium and nitrate sources.

Prevention

  • Regularly test substrate for micronutrient levels and pH.
  • Include Mo-containing fertilizers in routine fertilization schedules for Poinsettia.
  • Avoid excessive leaching and overuse of ammonium-based fertilizers.
  • Monitor plant growth and leaf color for early detection of deficiency.