Download Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato

Role and Deficiency Symptoms
of Phosphorus in Tomato
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Introduction
 P deficiency is the major growth-limiting factor in acid
upland soils where soil P-fixation capacity is generally
high
 It is not easily lost or added to the root zone by
biological and chemical processes. The residual effect
of P fertilizer application can persist for several years
 It is more effective to prevent P deficiency than treat P
deficiency symptoms
 Ideal soil pH for availability of organic or inorganic
fertilizer is between 6 - 7
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Role of phosphorus in tomato
 Essential constituent of adenosine triphosphate (ATP),
adenosine diphosphate (ADP), nucleotides, nucleic
acids, and phospholipids
 Involved in energy storage and transfer, photosynthesis,
cell division and membrane integrity
 Essential for seed germination and root development
 Phosphorus improves quality of fruits, vegetables and
water-use efficiency
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Sources of phosphorus
Organic manures
Animal manure, plant residue and humus
Chemical fertilizers
Single Super Phosphate, Diammonium phosphate
Biofertilizers
Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Mycorrhiza
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
P deficiency symptoms
 Stunted plant growth
 Small leaves that may take on a reddish-purple tinge
on margin
 Leaf tips can look burnt and older leaves become
almost black
 Reduction in size of fruit and seed
 Low fruit yields
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Deficiency symptoms in tomato leaves
Source: http://5e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=t&id=289
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Phosphorus deficient tomato plant
Source:http://www.kdcomm.net/~tomato/Tomato/nutri/p.
html
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Causes of P deficiency
 Low inherent capacity of soil to supply P
 Inadequate use of P fertilizers and organic matter
 Low efficiency of applied P fertilizer use due to high Pfixation capacity or losses by soil erosion losses
 P immobilization in Ca phosphates due to excessive liming
 Imbalanced use of fertilizers e.g. excessive use of N
fertilizer with insufficient P application
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato
Let us sum up
 P is essential for growth, cell division, root lengthening, seed
and fruit development, and early ripening
 It is a part of several compounds including oils and amino
acids. P compounds adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) act as energy carriers
 Plant growth is markedly restricted under P deficiency and
ripening delayed
 Use of organic manures and chemical fertilizers to prevent
phosphorus deficiency