Anthocyanins, Senescence and Stress: Explaining Flag Leaf Tipping in Wheat

It’s a symptom that is raising plenty of questions this season. Is it potassium deficiency, phosphorus deficiency, BYDV, or simply a crop under stress? We explore the science behind anthocyanins, drought-driven senescence and what these unusual flag leaf symptoms could be telling us about crop health. We also revisit last year’s discussion on pink straw and nutrient lock-up, including reports that dry conditions can leave significantly more potash in straw than normal, with implications and action points for nutrient offtake, straw value and nutrient replacement planning.