Potassium deficiency-Tomato | Yara South Africa

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Nutrients

Tomato - Chlorosis

Symptoms
The older leaves become chlorotic, later necrotic, starting from the leaf edges. At severe deficiency, the intercostal areas of the leaves may become chlorotic, too. Whitish, necrotic dots develop within the chlorotic areas.

Reasons
Potassium deficiency on the leaves. Excess salinity may cause similar symptoms, this can be controlled by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution.

Tomato - Chlorosis

Symptoms
The older leaves become chlorotic, later necrotic, starting from the leaf edges. At severe deficiency, the intercostal areas of the leaves may become chlorotic, too. Light brown and whitish, necrotic dots develop within the chlorotic areas.

Reasons
Potassium deficiency on the leaves. Excess salinity may cause similar symptoms, this can be controlled by measuring the electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution.

Tomato - Discolouration

Symptoms
Glasshouse grown tomatoes will often express potassium deficiency as blotchy ripening. When fruits turn red some areas remain green. The symptoms are sometimes visible in field grown tomatoes, too.

Reasons
Potassium deficiency on fruits

Potassium deficiency made worse by

Acidic soils (low pH)
Sandy or light soils (leaching)
Drought conditions
High rainfall (leaching)
or heavy irrigation
Heavy clay (illite) soils
Soils with low K reserves
Magnesium rich soils

Potassium is important for

Coenzyme functions
Protein synthesis
Stomatal function
Tugor potential
Sugar degree

Yara recommended fertilizers for Potassium

YaraRega AQUAFLEX 13

Tomato (field grown): Exact recommendation depends on soil analysis, yield potential, fertigation practices and nutrient management plan. Refer to your local Yara Agronomist for detailed recommendation.

YaraRega AQUAFLEX 18

Tomato: Exact recommendation depends on soil analysis, yield potential, fertigation practices and nutrient management plan. Refer to your local Yara Agronomist for detailed recommendation.

YaraVita CROP BOOST

Tomato (field grown): 3 to 5 l/ha at the 4 to 6 leaf stage. Repeat at 10 to 14 day intervals as necessary. Maximum 3 applications. Water rate: 200 l/ha.