Nutrients

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

Apples - Spongy tissue

Symptoms
Low phosphor concentrations in fruits produce "low temperature breakdown", shown by brown and soft areas within flesh in store. Only at progressed stage damage is visible from the outside. Fruits are squashy and show brown areas on surface.

Reasons
Phosphor deficiency

Apples - Spongy tissue

Symptoms
Low phosphor concentrations in fruits produce "low temperature breakdown", shown by brown and soft areas within flesh in store. At progressed stage damage is visible from the outside. Fruits are brown and squashy.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

  • Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
  • Low organic matter
  • Cold or wet conditions
  • Crops with a poorly developed root system
  • Soils with low P reserves
  • Soils with a high phosphate capacity
  • Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

  • Increases fruit size
  • Gives better colour
  • Increases firmness
  • Reduces storage disorders
  • Increase fruit calcium levels