Deficiency of calcium affects anatomical, biometry and nutritional status of cherry tomato

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) is one of the main problems in tomato management, due to its susceptibility to physiological disorders such as blosson end rot. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ca doses on the anatomy, biometry and nutritional status of cherry tomato hybrid BRS Iracema cultivated in a hydroponic system. The experiment consisted of an arrangement in time split-plot scheme, assigning Ca concentrations (0.5; 1.5; 3.0; 6.0 and 10.0 mmol L−1) in the plots and days after sowing (57; 84; 97 and 115) in the subplots. The design was completely randomized, with four replications. We performed a variance and regression analysis for the quantitative data and then a qualitative description of the biometric and anatomical characteristics. The best responses of biometric and production variables, as well as the better nutritional plant status occur with estimated concentrations from 6.0 to 7.0 mmol L−1 Ca in nutrient solution. Ca deficiency promotes anatomical changes such as phloem super development and leaf mesophyll thickness, lesions in the cortical region of the primary stem, with hypertrophied and collapsed cells and root apices shortening in relation to the first lateral roots. Consequently, lower growth and production, showing that tomato under Ca deficiency do not always express BER symptoms. The increase in Ca availability promotes an increase in Ca intake and reduction in Zn, Cu and N-total contents in the distal part of the fruits.