Ears of Cu deficient plants are often trapped in the sheath and emerge with white tips and blind spikelets.
Plants show dry, white and twisted or curled leaf tips (white tip). Young leaves wilt on their tips, whereas the basal leaves remain dark green.
Copper deficiency
Severe drought, heavy frosts and herbicide damage can cause blind ears, too.
Cereals: 1 to 3 l/ha from the 2 leaf stage to second node detectable (Zadok's G.S. 12 to 32). Repeat applications at 10 to 14 day intervals, within this timing, if necessary. For autumn sown crops, an application prior to winter dormancy may also be beneficial. In addition, 1 l/ha from second node detectable to flag leaf fully emerged (Zadoks G.S. 32 to 39). Water rate: 50 to 200 l/ha. Seed Dressing: 3 to 6 litres per tonne.
Cereals: 1 l/ha at 2 leaf stage to second node detectable (Zadok's G.S. 12 to 32). Water rate: 200 l/ha. For severe deficiency, increase to 2 l/ha or repeat at the above rate. For autumn-sown crops, an application prior to winter dormancy is strongly recommended. Seed Dressing: Typically 3 litres per tonne. Rate can be increased up to 6 litres per tonne if necessary.