Chlorosis

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For other uses, see Chlorosis (disambiguation).

In botany, chlorosis is a condition in which plant foliage produces insufficient chlorophyll. When this happens, leaves do not have their normal green color; they may be pale green, yellow, or yellow-white. The affected plant has little or no ability to manufacture carbohydrates and may die unless the cause of its chlorophyll insufficiency is treated. Specific nutrient deficiencies (often aggravated by high soil pH) produce chlorosis, which may be corrected by supplemental feedings of iron, magnesium or nitrogen compounds in various combinations. Some pesticides, particularly herbicides, may also cause chlorosis, both to target weeds and occasionally to the crop being treated.

[edit] Etymology

Chlorosis is derived from the word Chloris or from the Greek Khloros meaning "greenish-yellow," "pale green," "pale," "pallid" or "fresh".

Physiological plant disorders
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