Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulfur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Zn Zinc

Tomato - Deformation

Symptoms
Phosphorus deficiency causes small and rigid leaves, the plant habitus is very erect. Growth is sparse, thus the plant shows a spindly appearence. Total height is almost normal. The bottom leaves show interveinal chloroses and necrotic leaflets.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency. Deficiency symptoms can also be found when soil P content is sufficient, but the tomato plants are grown at too low temperatures since phosphorus uptake is inhibited under these conditions.

Tomato - Discolouration

Symptoms
Beginning from the margin, the surface or undersurface of older leaves becomes dark green or purplish red at severe phosphorus deficiency.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency on the leaf. Deficiency symptoms can also be found when soil P content is sufficient, but the tomato plants are grown at too low temperatures since phosphorus uptake is inhibited under these conditions.

Tomato - Chlorosis

Symptoms
In some cultivars, the phosphorus deficiency appears as small brown dots which develop interveinally on the lower leaves. Starting from the leaf margin, chlorotic and subsequently necrotic areas progress. In other cases, the surface or undersurface of older leaves becomes dark green or purplish red at severe phosphorus deficiency.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency on the leaf. Deficiency symptoms can also be found when soil P content is sufficient, but the tomato plants are grown at too low temperatures since phosphorus uptake is inhibited under these conditions.

Tomato - Chlorosis

Symptoms
In some cultivars, the phosphorus deficiency appears as small brown dots which develop interveinally on the lower leaves. Additionally, starting from the leaf margin, chlorotic and subsequently necrotic areas progress. The necroses may have a brown or a dull, dark olive, colour.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency on the leaf. Deficiency symptoms can also be found when soil P content is sufficient, but the tomato plants are grown at too low temperatures since phosphorus uptake is inhibited under these conditions.

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
  • Low organic matter
  • Cold or wet conditions
  • Crops with a poorly developed root system
  • Soils with low P reserves
  • Soils with a high phosphate capacity
  • Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

  • Energy transfer
  • Nucleic acid formation
  • Protein synthesis
  • Cell membrane component
  • Carbohydrate metabolism