Nutrients

N Nitrogen
P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulphur
B Boron
Cu Copper
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Mo Molybdenum
Zn Zinc
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Potatoes - Discolouration

Symptoms
Calcium deficiency causes internal browning and hollow tubers.

Causes
Calcium deficiency Boron deficiency can also trigger internal browning and hollow tubers. It is difficult to separate the symptoms.

Potatoes - Discolouration

Symptoms
Internal browning. Also hollow tubers are a symptom of calcium deficiency.

Causes
Calcium deficiency Can be confused with boron deficiency. It is difficult to separate the symptoms.

Potatoes - Deformation

Symptoms
Young shoot tips are deformed as the young leaflets are not developed properly. Remaining leaf stubs show dark brown necrosis. Calcium deficiency is seldom seen on the leaves, as most soils contains enough calcium for leaf growth.

Causes
Calcium deficiency Boron deficiency causes similar symptoms, but necrosis is normally seen between the veins and not only at the edge of the leaf as with calcium deficiency. Potassium deficiency causes necrosis at the edge of the leaf, but symptoms are first visible on the older leaves. The leaves with potassium deficiency normally do not curl up.

Potatoes - Deformation

Symptoms
The margins of young, fully developed leaflets are cupped upwards. Calcium deficiency is seldom seen on the leaves, as most soils contain enough calcium for leaf growth.

Causes
Calcium deficiency

Calcium deficiency/ internal browning made worse by

  • Acidic soils
  • Sandy or light soils (leaching)
  • Acid peat soils
  • Soils rich in sodium
  • Soils rich in aluminium
  • Drought conditions
  • Fruit high in nitrogen or potassium
  • Large fruit

Calcium is important for

  • Healthy green foliage
  • Improved yield and quality
  • Better storage potential of tubers

Yara recommended fertilisers for Calcium deficiency

YaraLiva TROPICOTE

YaraLiva TROPICOTE

Potatoes: 375 to 500 kg/ha at tuber initiation. Exact recommendation depends on soil analysis and variety requirements. Refer to your local Yara area manager for detailed recommendation.

Read more about YaraLiva TROPICOTE

YaraVita STOPIT

YaraVita STOPIT

Potatoes: 2 to 3 applications of 5 to 10 l/ha commencing at tuber initiation (when 50% of the tip swellings are twice the diameter of the rest of the stolon) with 10 to 14 day intervals between applications. Water rate: 200 l/ha

Read more about YaraVita STOPIT

Other recommended products

YaraVita SENIPHOS
YaraVita SENIPHOS
Potatoes: Apply Seniphos at 15 l/ha in 200 litres of water, at the onset of tuber initiation. The application may be repeated at bulking, using 5 l/ha in 200 litres of water repeated at 2-3 week intervals.