Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato

1. Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato Deficiency symptoms in tomato leaves Source: http://5e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=t&id=289

7. Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in Tomato Phosphorus deficient tomato plant Source:http://www.kdcomm.net/~tomato/Tomato/nutri/p.html

8. 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 P-fixation 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

9. 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