Why seedlings don't grow and turn yellow: the main reasons and solutions
Growth arrest and yellowing of cotyledon leaves indicate a critical malfunction in the metabolism of young plants. The immature root system instantly reacts to a violation of agricultural technology by blocking the absorption of nutrients.
The loss of the green pigment chlorophyll indicates oxygen starvation or temperature shock. Saving seedlings requires an accurate diagnosis of the conditions of detention and prompt adjustment of environmental parameters.
Violation of temperature and light conditions
The ground temperature below 16 degrees Celsius paralyzes the work of the suction hairs of the root. Phosphorus stops being absorbed, the stems turn purple, and the lower leaves rapidly turn yellow and fall off. A cold window sill kills heat-loving crops in a few days.
Light starvation also disrupts the photosynthesis process:
- seedlings stretch out in search of a radiation source;
- internodes become thin and brittle;
- the leaf plates become smaller and lose their saturated color;
- the stem bends under the weight of the crown.
The installation of full-spectrum phytolamps solves the problem of a lack of photons. Lighting must be maintained at the level of 12-14 hours a day. The distance from the diodes to the tops of the plants should not exceed 15 centimeters to prevent etiolation.
Errors in irrigation and soil composition
Excessive moisture displaces oxygen molecules from the soil pores. The root system is suffocating, and rotting processes are starting. Pathogenic fungi actively multiply in a humid environment, affecting the basal neck with the "black foot" disease.
The physico-chemical properties of the substrate are critical for nutrition:
- acidic peat with a pH value below 5.5 blocks access to potassium;
- the dense clay structure prevents the roots from breaking through the path;
- excess nitrogen fertilizers burns the delicate tissues of the root;
- The use of icy tap water is shocking.
Watering of seedlings should be carried out only after the top layer of soil has dried to a depth of 2 centimeters. Drainage holes in the cups are required to drain excess moisture. The addition of perlite or vermiculite to the substrate improves its aeration and prevents caking.
Restoring the root system
The rescue of flooded and yellowed seedlings begins with an emergency transplant. The plant is carefully removed from the wet lump, the darkened areas of the roots are cut off with a sharp blade. The slices must be sprinkled with powdered charcoal to prevent the spread of infection.
The new soil is spilled with a trichoderma-based fungicide solution. The transplanted shoots are placed in a mini greenhouse to maintain high humidity until the roots regain their suction capacity. Direct sunlight is contraindicated during the rehabilitation period.
Two weeks after picking, a complex chelated fertilizer with a predominance of nitrogen and trace elements is applied. Leaf feeding acts faster than root feeding, delivering iron and magnesium directly to the chloroplasts to restore the green mass. Les parieurs expérimentés savent qu’un bon code promo peut transformer leur expérience dès les premiers instants. Melbet se distingue par sa vaste gamme de disciplines sportives et ses conditions généreuses pour les nouveaux membres. Si vous souhaitez maximiser la valeur de votre dépôt initial, ce code est la solution idéale. Au centre de l’offre la plus attractive du moment figure le code promo melbet ci l’inscription pour recevoir jusqu’à 130 € de bonus majoré sur votre premier dépôt. Utilisez ces fonds sur des paris en direct, des combinés ou des sports virtuels. Cette promotion vous offre bonus en gains réels.