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Asked by: Deloras Sese
healthy living nutritionWhy do corn stalks turn purple?
Last Updated: 15th January, 2020
Purple leaves are caused by a pigment called anthocyanin. When sugars produced by the chlorophyll cannot be deposited in the growing stalks, leaves, and roots, they are converted to anthocyanin pigment which is red to purple in color. Acidic soils with pH lower than 5.5 may also cause purpling of the seedlings.
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Then, why is my corn turning purple?
The purple color is from a pigment that forms when there is more sugar in the leaves than the plant can utilize. Low phosphorus inhibits sugar movement out of leaves, and cool, dry soils reduce root growth and sugar movement to the roots. Both of these increase sugars in the plant and can make the tissue turn purple.
Similarly, what causes plants to turn purple? When you notice a plant with purple leaves rather than the normal green color, it is most likely due to a phosphorus deficiency. All plants need phosphorus (P) in order to create energy, sugars and nucleic acids. If the soil is cool early in the growing season, a phosphorus deficiency may develop in some plants.
Regarding this, why are my corn stalks turning red?
Corn plants in many fields are turning red and that is not a good sign. The red color is coming from a build-up of sugar in the leaves and stalks. The build-up of sugar is a result of too few kernels being developed on the ears. Heat stress during pollination was the primary culprit of red leaves in these fields.
What nutrient deficiency causes purple leaves?
Nitrogen (N) Plants are short; leaves tend to be pale green-yellow in color, especially on the older foliage. On tomato plants, the undersides of the leaves and stems can develop a purple coloration. Phosphorus (P) Plants are usually stunted and a dark green color.