Iron chlorosis in the Ebro River basin, Spain

Abstract

Iron chlorosis is a major problem in the Ebro river basin, a large agricultural area in northeastern Spain. Crops affected by iron chlorosis in this area are mainly fruit tree species, such as pear, peach, apple, apricot, plum, cherry and almond, growing in irrigated areas. The etiology and symptoms of iron chlorosis in these fruit tree crops are described, together with the procedures used for diagnosis. The current practices which are being used in Spain for the prevention and correction of iron chlorosis are discussed in detail. Data are presented on the current incidence of iron chlorosis in the Ebro river basin, including estimates of the surface affected by the deficiency for each crop. Estimates of the economical cost of the treatments used for curing iron chlorosis are also given.