Carrot

In the plant it has a structural function, being a constituent of amino acids, proteins, nitrogenous bases, various enzymes and energy transfer materials such as chlorophyll, ADP and ATP.

It also plays an important role in the processes of ionic absorption, photosynthesis, respiration, cell multiplication and differentiation. 

Deficiency – Reduces plant growth, older leaves turn yellow uniformly, evolving to a reddish color.

Phosphorus participates in most of the energy transformations of the vital processes of plants, such as photosynthesis, in carbohydrate metabolism, in the starch/sucrose ratio and in the participation of photoassimilates between the leaves (source) and the storage organ (drain).

This is one of the main limiting factors for growth. 

Deficiency – The older leaves have a purplish-brown color, with the evolution of the disease, the leaves turn yellow and fall. The roots show abnormal development.

It has a role in cells, tissues and in osmotic regulation, in the balance of cations/anions, in the opening and closing of stomata, in water relations in the plant, in addition to stimulating the use of nitrogen, enabling better absorption, assimilation, nutrition and consequent productivity.

Deficiency – Older leaves have burnt leaf margins. As the deficiency progresses, the petioles of these leaves coalesce, dry up and die.

It plays an important role in the structure of the plant as an integral part of the cell wall, increasing the mechanical resistance of tissues and as a neutralizer of organic acids in the cytosol.

Calcium is part of pectin through calcium pectates and is required for elongation and mitotic cell division; this is reflected in root growth. In addition, in the cell membrane, Ca is important for linking phosphate/carboxylic groups of phospholipids and provides stability to proteins. 

Deficiency – Calcium deficiency necrotizes the growth points of young leaves and causes severe restrictions on root growth. A lack of magnesium causes old leaves to become chlorotic at the edges and a deficiency of boron causes leaf curling, causing the roots to become cracked.

Magnesium’s main function is to be the central atom of the chlorophyll molecule in the green leaves of plants.

Deficiency – Older leaves become chlorotic at the edges. A slightly reddish color appears at the margins and expands towards the center of the leaflets.

It is essential for plants, as it is a nutrient that plays a structural role in several important molecules of metabolism.

For example, molecules from the amino acid group such as methionine, cysteine ​​and cystine, which are necessary for the formation of proteins. In addition, they play a structural role in molecules such as lipids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, among others. Also, flavonoids and alkaloids are representatives of molecules linked to the secondary metabolism of plants.

Deficiency – It begins in the youngest leaves, which take on a lime green color. The leaflets are delicate and thin.

Activator or component of enzymes, it influences the fixation of Nitrogen, an important catalyst in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, it acts on the development of roots.

Deficiency – Appears in young leaves, due to the low mobility of iron by the plants, these areas tend to have thin and yellowish, brittle and vitrified leaves. It is also common to notice that only the veins of the leaves remain green, while the blades turn yellow. In severe cases of iron deficiency, necrosis and leaf fall occur, leading to total defoliation.

It directly influences photosynthesis by participating in the synthesis of chloroplasts. Influences energy reserve by regulating carbohydrate metabolism.

It acts on the reduction of nitrates in plants is only possible if there is enough manganese. Increases secondary root growth. Stimulates plant growth by influencing the growth of cell extension. Like copper, manganese is important for the immobilization of oxygen free radicals. Manganese and magnesium increase the concentration of key ingredients such as citric acid and vitamin C. These increase the quality of frozen vegetables.

Deficiency – Older leaves, leaf bases show brownish black spots as a consequence of MnO2 accumulations. Subsequently, these spots present chlorotic edges.

It is a cofactor in enzymatic reactions and, therefore, participates in several biochemical cycles of plants, including photosynthesis and sugar formation, protein synthesis, fertility and seed production, growth regulation and defense against diseases.

It plays roles in photosynthesis and respiration, including the ultimate transfer of electrons to oxygen. 

It also aids in the formation of lignin in cell walls. It is important in the formation of pollen grains, seed formation and resistance to stress.

Deficiency – Appears on younger shoots, leaves may appear withered, turning blue-green before yellowing and curling.

It plays roles in plant development such as: cell wall synthesis and cell elongation, cell wall structural integrity and carbohydrate transport, pollen grain fertility and pollen tube elongation.

Deficiency – Curling of the leaves, which bend towards the ground and often turn reddish or yellowish.

The young leaves are small and it is common for the shoots to die with the appearance of progressive necrosis. At the root, longitudinal splitting occurs with subsequent healing.