Role of Manganese in Melon Production
Manganese plays a major role in the biochemistry of photosynthesis.
It is thus important to maintain strong growth and development. Manganese also improves N-utilization by the plant.
Manganese effect at growth stages
| Stage | Manganese effect |
| Pre-Planting | Ensure good shoot growth |
| Vegetative Growth | Ensure good leaf quality and that growth is not limiting |
| Flowering | Support good growth |
| Fruit Fill | Promote healthy fruit-fill |
See more on Melon Growth Stages.
General guidelines for Manganese application
While rarely seen, transient deficiencies can occur in sandy or peaty soils of a high pH, and can be overcome by using micronutrient sprays (manganese is not very mobile in the plant).
Manganese deficiencies in melon
Recently mature leaves show interveinal chlorosis as transparent, light green to yellowish-brown flecks. In severe instances of manganese deficiency, these flecks turn into brown necrotic spots on the leaf surface. Numerous purplish-brown spots may appear on the leaf stalk or stem.
Manganese toxicity can be a problem on acid soils (below pH 5.8). Seedlings will be stunted and have yellow crinkled leaves. On older plants the leaves turn a pale green and develop many interveinal, pinhole-sized brown lesions.
Toxicity symptoms can be confused with leaf diseases such as gummy stem blight. To avoid manganese toxicities, soil pH should be corrected to levels greater than 6.0.
