Cause Manganese toxicity due to low pH, especially below 5.
Symptoms Cloves have a loose internal structure, and internal tissues are discolored. The exterior of infected bulbs is white when compared to healthy bulbs.
Cultural control
- Plant on well-drained soil.
- Lime soils with a pH below 6. Disc lime into the top 2 or 3 inches of soil so it is in the raised bed formed during planting. It is critical that the lime not be plowed 10 to 12 inches deep.
- Use soil tests to guide fertilization. Limit potassium chloride applications, which tend to increase manganese uptake.
- Limit nitrogen application to about 100 lb/A in spring. Consider non-acid-forming sources of nitrogen, such as calcium nitrate, for part of the spring nitrogen application.