Nutrients

P Phosphorus
K Potassium
Mg Magnesium
Ca Calcium
S Sulfur
B Boron
Fe Iron
Mn Manganese
Zn Zinc

Apples - Deformation

Symptoms
Low calcium concentrations produce bitter pit shown by depressed areas on apple surface and small, brown corky areas within flesh.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency May be confused with boron deficiency. But boron deficiency causes symptoms in early state of fruit development, while calcium deficiency gives symptoms a few weeks before harvesting or in store.

Apples - Deformation

Symptoms
Low calcium concentrations produce bitter pit shown by depressed areas on apple surface and small, brown corky areas within flesh

Reasons
Calcium deficiency May be confused with boron deficiency. But boron deficiency causes symptoms in early state of fruit development, while calcium deficiency gives symptoms a few weeks before harvesting or in store.

Apples - Deformation

Symptoms
Low calcium concentrations produce bitter pit shown by depressed, sometimes dark areas on apple surface and small, brown corky areas within flesh.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency May be confused through boron deficiency. Boron deficiency causes symptoms in early stage of fruit develpment, while calcium deficiency gives symptoms a few weeks before harvesting or in store.

Apples - Deformation

Symptoms
Low calcium concentrations produce bitter pit shown by depressed spots on apple surface and small, brown corky areas within flesh.

Reasons
Calcium deficiency May be confused with boron deficiency. But boron deficiency causes symptoms in early state of fruit development, while calcium deficiency gives symptoms a few weeks before harvesting or in store.

Apples - Deformation

Symptoms
Low calcium concentrations produce bitter pit shown by depressed areas on apple surface and small, brown corky areas within flesh

Reasons
Calcium deficiency (left) May be confused with boron deficiency. But boron deficiency causes symptoms in early state of fruit development, while calcium deficiency gives symptoms a few weeks before harvesting or in store.

Calcium deficiency 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

  • Reduces Bitter Pit and other related disorders
  • Increases fruit size
  • Gives better fruit colour
  • Increases fruit firmness
  • Reduces storage disorders