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
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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?chti
d289
7
Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Phosphorus in
Tomato
Phosphorus deficient tomato plant
Sourcehttp//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