Calcium deficiency (plant disorder) 157877 220477135 2008-06-20T01:31:17Z Earthdirt 3512837 add nav box {{Cleanup|date=August 2007}} '''Calcium (Ca) deficiency''' is a plant disorder that can be caused by insufficient calcium in the growing medium, but is more frequently a product of a compromised nutrient mobility system in the plant.<ref>{{cite web|title= Plant Physiology Online: 5.1 Symptoms of Deficiency In Essential Minerals|url=http://4e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=t&id=289}}</ref> This may be due to water shortages, which slow the transportation of [[calcium]] to the plant, or can be caused by excessive usage of [[potassium]] or [[nitrogen]] fertilizers.{{fact|date=February 2008}} ===Symptoms=== Calcium deficiency symptoms appear initially as generally stunted plant growth, [[necrotic]] [[Leaf#Leaf terminology|leaf margins]] on young leaves or curling of the leaves, and eventual death of [[Bud#Types of buds|terminal buds]] and [[Root#Root structure|root tips]]. Generally the new growth of the plant is affected first. The mature leaves may be affected if the problem persists.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0028-646X%28197801%2980%3A1%3C1%3ATSOCDI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-9 |title=The Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in Plants |author=E. W. Simon|pages=2-4}}</ref> Crop-specific symptoms include{{fact|date=February 2008}}: ; [[Apple (fruit)|Apple]] : '[[Bitter pit]]' – fruit skins develop pits, brown patches appear in flesh and taste becomes bitter. Can occur when fruit is in storage. [[Bramley (apple)|Bramley apple]]s are particularly susceptible. ; [[Cabbage]] and [[Brussels sprout]]s : Internal browning. ; [[Carrot]] : '[[Cavity spot]]' – oval spots develop into craters which may be invaded by other [[Pathogen|disease causing organisms]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.uga.edu/vegetable/carrot.html|title= The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Department of Horticulture - Carrot|author=Dr. Harry A. Mills|pages=3-4}}</ref> ; [[Celery]] : Stunted growth, central leaves stunted. ; [[Tomato]]es and [[capsicum|pepper]]s : 'Blossom end rot' – Symptoms start as sunken, dry decaying areas at the blossom end of the fruit, furthest away from the stem, not all fruit on a truss is necessarily affected. Sometimes rapid growth from high-nitrogen fertilizers may cause blossom end rot. ===Treatment=== Calcium deficiency can be rectified by adding [[Agricultural lime]] to acid soils, aiming at a [[Soil pH|pH]] of 6.5, unless the plant in question specifically prefers acidic soil. Organic matter should be added to the soil in order to improve its moisture-retaining capacity.{{fact|date=February 2008}} Plant damage is difficult to reverse, so take corrective action immediately. Make supplemental applications of [[calcium nitrate]] at 200 ppm nitrogen. Test and correct the pH if needed because calcium deficiency is often associated with low pH. {{fact|date=February 2008}} ==Notes== <div class="references-small"> {{reflist|2}} </div> ==External links== * [http://tinypic.com/6739yo Example of blossom end rot on Roma tomatoes] * [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3117.html Blossom End Rot - symptoms, cause and management] - The Ohio State University Extension {{PlantMineralDeficiency}} {{plant-disease-stub}} [[Category:Physiological plant disorders]] [[Category:Biology and pharmacology of chemical elements]] [[Category:Calcium]] [[Category:Gardening]] [[Category:Plant pathogens and diseases]] [[Category:Tomato pathogens and pests]]