1. Role and deficiency symptoms of Secondary Nutrients in Tomato

2. Introduction
Secondary nutrients are needed in lesser amounts than that of primary nutrients but are important for plants
Calcium, magnesium and sulphur are considered as secondary nutrients for plants; however, they play no secondary role in plant nutrition
Many factors can affect the availability of these three nutrients to plants

3. Role of Calcium in Plants
Ca is a part of the architecture of cell walls and membranes
It is involved in cell division, growth, root lengthening and activation/ inhibition of enzymes.
Involved in nitrogen metabolism
Aids in translocation of photosynthates from leaves to fruiting organs
Increases fruit set
Stimulates microbial activity

4. Calcium deficiency symptoms
Deficiency symptoms are first displayed in the growing regions and new leaves. New leaves are distorted or hook shaped.
Blossom end rot is caused by lack of calcium in the developing fruit of tomato. It appears as slight water-soaked area on/ near the blossom end of the fruit. The affected area soon darkens and enlarges in a constantly widening circle until the fruit begins to ripen.
Note: Blossom end rot can be controlled by spraying calcium chloride (2 g/l) solution.

5. Calcium deficiency symptoms in tomato
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6. Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Sulphur in Tomato
Integral part of amino acids
Helps synthesis of enzymes and vitamins.
Promotes nodule formation on legumes
Necessary in chlorophyll formation (though it isn’t one of the constituents)
Deficiency Symptoms
Younger leaves start turning yellow
Plants are small and spindly with short and slender stalks
Fruits often do not mature fully

7. Sulphur deficiency symptoms in tomato
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8. Role and Deficiency Symptoms of Magnesium in Tomato
Key element of chlorophyll production
Improves utilization and mobility of phosphorus
Activator and component of many plant enzymes, energy transfer, maintenance of electrical balance
Increases iron utilization in plants
Influences earliness and uniformity of maturity
Deficiency Symptoms
Central interveinal chlorosis and green marginal bands.
Clustering of flowers
Fruits do not ripen evenly

9. Magnesium deficiency symptoms in tomato
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10. Let us sum up
Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are essential plant nutrients. They are called “secondary” nutrients because plants require them in smaller quantities than nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
Each plant prefers a specific pH range to be able to access the nutrients in the soil. If the soil pH is too acidic or alkaline the plant will not be able to take up nutrients no matter how rich your soil may be. So pH should be close to 7 for better absorption of nutrients

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