Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Introduction Secondary nutrients are needed in lesser amounts than that of primary nutrients but are important for plants Calcium, magnesium and sulphur are considered as secondary nutrients for plants; however, they play no secondary role in plant nutrition Many factors can affect the availability of these three nutrients to plants

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Role of Calcium in tomato Ca is a part of the architecture of cell walls and membranes It is involved in cell division, growth, root lengthening and activation/ inhibition of enzymes. Involved in nitrogen metabolism Aids in translocation of photosynthates from leaves to fruiting organs Increases fruit set Stimulates microbial activity

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Calcium deficiency symptoms Deficiency symptoms are first displayed in the growing regions and new leaves. New leaves are distorted or hook shaped. Blossom end rot is caused by lack of calcium in the developing fruit of tomato. It appears as slight water-soaked area on/ near the blossom end of the fruit. The affected area soon darkens and enlarges in a constantly widening circle until the fruit begins to ripen. Note: Blossom end rot can be controlled by spraying calcium chloride (2 g/l) solution.

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Calcium deficiency symptoms in tomato Source: http://5e.plantphys.net/ article.php?ch =t&id=289 Source:http://www.enst.umd.edu/people/Weil/Symptoms/Calcium.cfm

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Sulphur in Tomato Role Integral part of amino acids Helps synthesis of enzymes and vitamins. Promotes nodule formation on legumes Necessary in chlorophyll formation (though it isn’t one of the constituents) Deficiency Symptoms Younger leaves start turning yellow Plants are small and spindly with short and slender stalks Fruits often do not mature fully

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Sulphur deficiency symptoms in tomato Source: http://5e.plantphys.net/ article.php?ch=t&id=289 Source:http://www.enst.umd.edu/people/Weil/Symptoms/Sulfur.cfm

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Magnesium in Tomato Role Key element of chlorophyll production Improves utilization and mobility of phosphorus Activator and component of many plant enzymes, energy transfer, maintenance of electrical balance Increases iron utilization in plants Influences earliness and uniformity of maturity Deficiency Symptoms Central interveinal chlorosis and green marginal bands. Clustering of flowers Fruits do not ripen evenly

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Magnesium deficiency symptoms in tomato Source:http://customers.hbci.com/~wenonah/min-def/tomatoes.htm Source:http://5e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=t&id=289

Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato Let us sum up Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are essential plant nutrients. They are called “secondary” nutrients because plants require them in smaller quantities than nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium Each plant prefers a specific pH range to be able to access the nutrients in the soil. If the soil pH is too acidic or alkaline the plant will not be able to take up nutrients no matter how rich your soil may be. So pH should be close to 7 for better absorption of nutrients