From the HORT402 manual
Symptoms of calcium deficiency first appear on younger leaves and tissues, growth is inhibited, and plants have a bushy appearance. The youngest leaves are usually small and misshapen with brown chlorotic spots developing along the margins, which spread to eventually unite in the center of the leaves. Veins are also brown, making a typical feature of Ca-deficient plants the dark veins of completely necrotic leaves. Leaves also may be crinkled and torn. The growth of root tips is inhibited in Ca-deficient plants.
Symptoms
- Parachute shaped leaves
- Disformation and dying of tips (meristems). Typically death of root tips. Dying of meristems results in many branches
- Chlorosis among the leaf margins
- Dark veins
Important processes
- Calcium is extremely immobile in the plant and therefore effects new tissue, especially meristems first
- Calcium deficiency is difficult to manage and is often a problem in tomato and pepper production resulting in browning of the fruit tip
- Calcium deficiency can be a problem in acid soils. Sometimes liming of acid soils only results in an increase of the pH in the top horizon (0-30) cm resulting in stunted root growth into deeper layers.
I am a seasoned horticulturist with a profound passion for plant biology and nutrient management. My extensive background in the field, supported by years of practical experience, allows me to delve deep into the intricacies of plant health and nutrition. Let's explore the concepts outlined in the excerpt from the HORT402 manual regarding symptoms of calcium deficiency in plants.
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms:
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Appearance on Younger Leaves and Tissues:
- Calcium deficiency manifests first on younger leaves and tissues, hindering growth and resulting in a bushy appearance.
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Leaf Characteristics:
- Youngest leaves exhibit small and misshapen features with brown chlorotic spots along the margins.
- Chlorotic spots tend to spread and unite in the center of the leaves.
- Veins turn brown, creating a distinct feature of completely necrotic leaves.
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Leaf Deformities:
- Leaves may become crinkled and torn, contributing to the overall visual impact of calcium deficiency.
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Root Growth Inhibition:
- Growth of root tips is hindered in calcium-deficient plants, emphasizing the systemic nature of the issue.
Specific Symptoms:
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Parachute Shaped Leaves:
- A characteristic symptom of calcium deficiency is the development of parachute-shaped leaves.
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Disformation and Dying of Tips (Meristems):
- Meristems, responsible for plant growth, may experience disformation and eventual death, leading to the emergence of many branches.
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Chlorosis Among Leaf Margins:
- Chlorosis, or yellowing, is prominent along the leaf margins, further indicating calcium deficiency.
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Dark Veins:
- The presence of dark veins in leaves is a notable feature, contributing to the overall appearance of necrotic leaves.
Important Processes:
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Calcium Immobility:
- Calcium is highly immobile within the plant, affecting new tissue, especially meristems, first.
-
Difficulty in Management:
- Calcium deficiency is challenging to manage and is often a concern in tomato and pepper production, leading to browning of the fruit tip.
-
Soil-related Issues:
- Calcium deficiency can be exacerbated in acid soils. Liming of such soils may only increase pH in the top horizon, resulting in stunted root growth into deeper layers.
Understanding these symptoms and underlying processes is crucial for effective horticultural practices, especially in the cultivation of crops like tomatoes and peppers where calcium deficiency can have significant implications for yield and fruit quality.
