Potato

It participates in several stages of the plant’s metabolic process and is a constituent of several compounds such as nucleic acids, amino acids and chlorophyll.

It is converted into amino acids, protein-building units, bases for plant growth and development, and enzymes, proteins specialized in the catalysis of biological reactions, necessary for the enzymatic reactions of plants. It acts on the partition of photoassimilates to the tubers. 

Deficiency – Causes chlorosis mainly of the older leaves, less vigorous plants, with slow growth, thin stems, short internodes and erect leaves, in addition to producing small and lesser tubers; when N deficiency is severe, there may be necrotic spots and leaf abscission. In sandy soils and poor in organic matter, which did not receive nitrogen fertilization.

It has considerable importance in carbon metabolism. It is also responsible for storing energy in photosynthesis and respiration, as well as energy for protein synthesis reactions, biological nitrogen fixation, ionic absorption, and others.

Deficiency – Causes growth delay, and chlorotic areas with necrotic spots appear on old leaves, causing premature defoliation, reducing the production of commercial roots.

Fewer tubers, smaller tubers, stunted plants, yellowing of older leaves, younger small dark green leaves. P deficiency leads to reduced early vigor, delayed maturation and reduced yields.

Its main function is as an enzyme activator, such as kinases and synthetases. Also a fundamental physiological function to plants, which would be the opening and closing of stomata.

It has a decisive influence on the formation of tuberous roots and on the flavor, which is the nutrient used in greater quantity by the culture. It is necessary for the translocation of sugars, synthesis of starch and, therefore, for obtaining high yields of tubers of good quality.

Deficiency – Deficient plants are small and compact; the foliage has a wilted appearance because the leaves arch down; under conditions of severe deficiency, the margins and apices of older leaves initially become yellowish, brown in color, and later become necrotic.

Calcium is a fundamental component of cell walls, helping to build a strong structure and ensuring cell stability. Calcium-enriched cell walls are more resistant to bacterial or fungal attack.

Calcium also helps the plant adapt to stress by influencing the signal chain reaction when stress occurs. It also plays a key role in regulating the active transport of potassium to stomatal opening. 

Deficiency – The plants have yellow leaves curled around the upper leaves, burns at the tip and small chlorotic leaves. Deficiency interferes with root growth, causes deformation of foliage growth tips, which can result in reduced yields and poor quality. Calcium-deficient potato tubers have reduced storage capacity.

Magnesium plays a central role in photosynthesis, as its atom is present at the center of each chlorophyll molecule. 

It is also involved in several key steps in the production of sugar and protein, as well as the transport of sugars in the form of sucrose from the leaves to the tubers. 

Deficiency – Leaves turn yellow and brown, leaves wither and die. Stunted plants, early maturation of the crop. Poor skin finish on the tubers. Deficiency results in reduced tuber formation and lower yields. Magnesium-deficient tubers are more easily damaged during lifting and storage.

Synthesis of essential amino acids cyst and methionine.

Sulfur reduces the level of common and powdery scabies.

Deficiency – Causes growth reduction, and leaves turn pale green or yellow. The number of sheets is reduced.

Actively participates in the synthesis of chlorophyll.

Deficiency – Appear first on younger leaves. The interveinal areas become chlorotic while the veins remain green. In cases of severe deficiency, the entire leaf is chlorotic.

Fundamental in the process of photosynthesis. 

Deficiency – symptoms are observed in young leaves, which have interveinal chlorosis and the appearance of small, round brown or black spots.

These punctuations occur in clusters near the midrib towards the basal area of ​​the leaflets, with the petioles generally remaining green and without symptoms; however, excess Mn is more common, causing irregular necrotic lesions on leaves and stems.

It acts in the synthesis of Auxins.

Deficiency – Young leaves become chlorotic (light green or yellow), narrow, upward and develop point burns. Other leaf symptoms are green veins, patches of dead tissue, spots and an upright appearance.

Influences on nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism.

Deficiency – Young leaves become flaccid and wilted, terminal buds fall off in flower bud development, and leaf tips become necrotic. 

Cell wall formation. Germination and elongation of the pollen tube. 

 It participates in metabolism and regulates the transport of sugars across membranes, and also plays a key role in cell division, cell development, and auxin metabolism. 

Deficiency – Growth buds die, plants appear creeping, having shorter internodes. The leaves thicken and roll up, the leaf tissue darkens and collapses. Brown necrotic spots appear on tubers, and internal rust spots are formed.