Composition of Avocado Trees in Relation to Chlorosis and Tip-Burn

The effect of lime-induced chlorosis on avocado trees is to raise the calcium-magnesium ratio. 2. The total and the water-soluble calcium of the dry matter of normal mature avocado leaves are considerably less than that of citrus leaves. The magnesium content of the dry matter of normal mature avocado leaves is two to three times that of normal mature citrus leaves. Chlorotic avocado leaves have been found to contain large amounts of water-insoluble calcium and water-soluble potassium. 3. The total nitrogen and phosphorus contents of avocado leaves are approximately the same as those found in the leaves of citrus. 4. Tip-burn of avocado leaves has been found to be associated with a high chloride or sulphate content of the leaves.