Sap Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Monitoring Plant Nutrition

Abstract

Horticultural crop production is moving towards an era of higher nutrient use efficiency since nutrient deficiencies can reduce plant growth, productivity, and quality, and overfertilization can cause environmental pollution. Rapid nutrient concentration diagnostic is essential to minimize the negative effects of Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening in citrus by providing the required nutrients before deficiency symptoms appear, reducing the impact of the disease on crop production. Sap analysis is an additional tool for fine-tuning nutrient applications in citrus. The main objective of this paper is to review the different methodologies and results obtained with sap analysis, considering its potential application in citrus production. Results from other crops show the pros and cons of using this tool. Substantial research has been conducted on vegetables and greenhouse crops, but few studies are available on perennial species such as citrus. Inconsistency in the extraction and analysis methods and the lack of specific sufficiency ranges for citrus open the path for further studies. Along with soil and leaf analyses, sap analysis is a complementary technique that can improve nutrient use efficiency in citrus production. Moreover, sap analysis has the potential to optimize fertilizer application, minimize environmental impacts and improve sustainability.