If Mango Leaves Are Scorching, Do This

These days, mango orchards are facing a new problem that is troubling farmers — the edges and tips of the mango leaves are getting scorched, also known as “tip burn.” How can this be resolved?
To understand this, The Better Farming spoke with Dr. S.K. Singh, Head of the Postgraduate Department of Plant Pathology and Nematology at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar.
Dr. S.K. Singh explained that this problem often arises due to excessive salt accumulation in the soil. He says these symptoms not only spoil the appearance of the plants but also severely affect their productivity.

Role of Salt and Its Effect on Plants

Excessive salt accumulation in the soil becomes an invisible threat to plants. As we know, salt (especially sodium chloride) absorbs water. Because of this property, it also binds the water present in the soil, making it unavailable to the plant roots.
When salt dissolves in water, it splits into sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions. Chloride ions are easily absorbed by plant roots and reach the leaves, where they may accumulate in toxic amounts. As a result, the leaf edges begin to dry out and appear scorched.
This condition worsens when there is poor drainage, irregular irrigation, or long-term excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which deteriorate soil fertility.

Key Symptoms

• Dryness and browning at the leaf tips
• Burnt patches on the edges or entire leaf surface
• Premature yellowing and shedding of leaves
• Weak growth of new leaves

Main Causes of the Problem

1. Salt Accumulation:
Salt deposits deteriorate soil structure. Especially in conditions of poor drainage and repeated use of chemicals, the problem escalates rapidly.

2. Irregular Irrigation:
Scattered or excessive watering causes fluctuations in soil moisture, impacting water availability to plants. Under stress, the leaves begin to scorch.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies (Magnesium, Potassium):
Deficiency of magnesium and potassium may also trigger scorch symptoms in mango. These elements support water regulation and cell structure in plants.

Prevention and Management Measures

1. Improve Drainage System:

• Prevent waterlogging in the field.
• Ensure proper slope and drainage channels.
• Leach out salts from the root zone through heavy irrigation.

2. Use Gypsum to Improve Soil:

• Gypsum (calcium sulfate) improves soil structure and helps displace sodium.
• Apply 50 kg per acre before planting or during the growing season.
• Finely ground gypsum can also be mixed with irrigation water.

3. Organic Amendments and Bio-components:

• Use 8–10 tons/hectare of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost every year.
• Humic acid and beneficial microorganisms (BCA) enhance soil health.
• Grow green manure crops like sunn hemp, dhaincha, mung bean, or cowpea during the rainy season and plow them back into the soil at 50% flowering. Repeat this process for 4–5 years.

4. Maintain Nutrient Balance:

• Spray magnesium sulfate (0.5–1%) on leaves.
• Spray potassium sulfate (2%) to reduce scorch severity.
• Repeat the sprays at 10–15 day intervals.
• Use fertilizers based on soil test recommendations.

5. Regular Irrigation Practice:

• Water plants at consistent intervals.
• Avoid excessive fluctuations in soil moisture.
• Use drip or sprinkler irrigation methods to improve water-use efficiency.