The metabolism of chlorotic leaves. 2. Organic acids

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Abstract
Organic acids in healthy leaves and leaves chlorotic due to iron deficiency, heavy metal toxicity, aging, virus infection and genetical constitution were quantitatively studied. All types of chlorotic leaves contained more citric acid relative to malic or oxalic acid, except in virus yellows in sugar beet where the reverse is true. The citric acid: (malic + oxalic acid) ratio of leaves appears to vary as the phosphorus:iron and potassium: calcium ratios. The total amount of organic acid also varied inversely as the phosphorus content of the leaf. Green leaves apparently contain large quantities of either malic or oxalic acid.