Tipburn and blossom end rot are symptoms of calcium (Ca) deficiency. Sometimes the first thought when a nutrient deficiency occurs is to add the nutrient that appears to be required to solve the issue. This isn't always the best way to resolve the issue. Calcium has a very important role in plant cell wall formation. Cell wall formation cannot be completed if calcium cannot reach new cells in adequate time. This can result in necrotic (dead) tissue in the leaves (tipburn) and fruit (blossom end rot) as a consequence of cell death.
Calcium uptake from roots to leaves is a very important process. The main force moving calcium through plants is water. When plants transpire calcium moves. Calcium will only be present in plants when water is moving. Most cases of calcium deficiency in greenhouse crops is due to environmental conditions not a nutrient deficiency directly related to the nutrient solution being applied.
For more information:
Hort Americas
Chris Higgins, CEO
[email protected]
www.hortamericas.com