Agricultural practice : the coconut leaves with burnt tips

Know the reasons and how to treat the problem

by John Mathias

( Low soil moisture , malnutrition and attack plant pests or diseases can cause drying of the edges of the leaves of the coconut palm )

What treatment is needed when applying coconut seedlings have the tips of the leaves burned ?

Rafael Oliveira by email

A: The drying of coconut edges of the sheets may be related to slightly moist soil , malnutrition the plant phytotoxicity caused by any chemical element and , in some cases, attack by pests and / or diseases. The general appearance of the plants shows a generalized chlorosis - yellowing leaves - which can be associated with the absence of nitrogen and soil moisture , taking into account the presence of grass nearby can exacerbate symptoms . It is recommended , therefore, improve the level of water in the soil with irrigation , keeping mulch ( straw around the plant in a radius of approximately 1 meter) to keep it moist and eliminate the grass . Make formulation equilibrated with 20-10-20 fertilizer , using about 500 grams of the mixture to each plant. It is also recommended to use organic fertilizer with manure , castor bean or other source of organic matter .

Consultant: Humberto Rollemberg sources , agricultural engineer , researcher in crop science Embrapa Coastal Tablelands ( CPATC ) , the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation ( Embrapa ) , Av Beira Mar , 3250 , District July 13 , PO Box 44 , CEP 49025-040 , Aracaju , SE , tel . (79) 4009-1311 , humberto.fontes @ embrapa.br

Source : Globo Rural Magazine ( Brazil ) .