Tomato plant are susceptible to an array of pest , diseases and alimental insufficiency . One of the most uncouth nutrient deficiencies in tomato flora is phosphate deficiency . Phosphate deficiency is either chronic , in which a limited supply of phosphorus is available , or acute , when atomic number 15 is all of a sudden no longer available . bar of phosphate want is preferable , and easy , than correction of phosphate insufficiency .

What Is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral base in soil , water system , sea deposit and rock music . It is an essential nutrient for both plant and animals . Phosphorus is the " P " in the N - P - K ( nitrogen , phosphorus , potassium ) formula used in fertilizer . Combined with atomic number 8 ( O2 ) , phosphorus forms phosphate .

Why Tomato Plants Need Phosphates

Phosphates are essential for tomato growth and the formation of bloom and fruit . Phosphorus helps build cell membrane and store vigour . It is also one of the molecules found in DNA . Without phosphate , tomato can not increase in sizing or produce fruit .

Identifying a Deficiency

Phosphate deficiency in tomatoes is easy to spot . Early in the season when tomato works are young , their growth becomes scrubby or spindly . subsequently in the develop season , tomato plants will strike down flowers and unripe fruit or will not form flowers at all . mature tomatoes on mature plant will be modest and bitter . The veins on the underside of the leaf take on a violet shade in all stages of Lycopersicon esculentum plant life increase . In life-threatening deficiencies , the leaves and halt as well as the veins have a purplish tint .

Correcting a Deficiency

impart a balanced commercial message or organic fertilizer to the root zona will even off phosphate deficiencies . Balanced fertilizer have adequate amounts of nitrogen , phosphorus and K . A 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 fertiliser is a balanced fertilizer . For severe deficiencies , add phosphorus ( plant in bone meal ) directly to the soil agree to packet direction . Tomato plant root can not plunge inorganic phosphate if the soil is too cold-blooded ( below 55 degrees F ) . Apply a charge card or organic mulch to warm up the dirt .

Prevention

It ’s easier to prevent phosphate deficiency than to correct phosphate want . examine your soil ( your local university or extension agency can do this for you ) every two to three years . impart 3 to 4 inches of compost to the grunge before planting tomatoes . practice balanced organic or commercial-grade fertilizers during the grow time of year . Use charge card or organic mulches to warm soil temperatures in give .

References

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