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idMicrobe: Tool to recognize plant diseases and consult home treatments

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Learn to recognize pests and how to combat them

Symptoms, treatments and recommendations for treating calcium deficiency in fruit

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

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Pathogen:

Type:

Nutritional disorder

Risk:

INTERMEDIATE

Symptoms, treatments and recommendations for treating calcium deficiency in fruit

Frutos

Deficiencia de Calcio

Calcium deficiency in plants: symptoms and visible damage in fruit
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WHO CAUSES IT?

Calcium deficiency, or blossom-end rot, is a physiological disorder that occurs when the fruit does not receive enough calcium in its developing tissues, even if the soil contains seemingly adequate amounts. Calcium is relatively immobile within the plant, and its transport depends primarily on the flow of water to the tissues. Therefore, any situation that reduces or alters transpiration and water movement can contribute to the problem. Roots absorb calcium from the soil solution, and this calcium is transported mainly by the xylem to the aerial parts of the plant. During periods of rapid fruit growth, the demand for calcium increases, and imbalances can occur when the supply does not keep pace with development. Water stress, sudden fluctuations in soil moisture, excessive salinity, root damage, high concentrations of other cations that interfere with calcium absorption, and certain environmental conditions can all reduce the amount of calcium reaching the fruit. The problem is especially common when there is rapid fruit growth accompanied by an irregular water supply, since calcium cannot be easily redistributed from the leaves and other organs to the areas with the greatest need. For this reason, there is no infection, reproduction, or propagation phase typical of a pathogenic organism, but rather a gradual onset of the disorder when physiological and environmental conditions hinder the delivery of calcium to the young fruit tissues.

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SYMPTOMS

Calcium deficiency, or blossom-end rot, primarily affects fruit during the growth and ripening stages. The disorder typically begins at the distal end of the fruit, opposite the point of attachment to the plant. In the early stages, a small, depressed area may be observed, appearing watery or slightly translucent. This area later turns brown or black and gradually increases in size. The affected tissues lose firmness, dehydrate, and eventually become necrotic. Under high humidity, the damaged areas can subsequently be colonized by opportunistic microorganisms and develop secondary rots, although these organisms are not the initial cause of the problem. The severity can vary considerably among fruits on the same plant, and the first affected fruits usually show relatively small lesions that can progress rapidly when water stress or conditions that hinder calcium absorption and transport persist. Affected fruits may become deformed, develop a dark, sunken distal area, and lose some or all of their commercial value. Watery or spongy appearance in the distal area / Brown or black spots on the fruit tip / Sunken spots / Tissue necrosis / Secondary rot / Dehydration and loss of firmness / Fruit deformation

Damage caused by calcium deficiency in fruit
Calcium deficiency in fruit: how to recognize and effectively treat it
Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities
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TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

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TRANSMISSION ROUTES

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Do you want to remove this disease? Choose how you want to treat it.

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TREATMENTS

Chemical treatments

• SOLUBLE CALCIUM FERTILIZERS: Calcium nitrate, calcium chloride; immediate action.

• CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZERS: Stable formulations that ensure prolonged supply.

• ORGANIC FERTILIZERS + CALCIUM: Bone meal, ground hulls, enriched compost.

• FERTILIZERS WITH AMINO ACIDS + CALCIUM: Promote rapid foliar absorption during critical periods (fruit set, fruit development).

Authorized treatments in organic farming

• SOLUBLE CALCIUM FERTILIZERS: Calcium nitrate, calcium chloride; immediate action.

• CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZERS: Stable formulations that ensure prolonged supply.

• ORGANIC FERTILIZERS + CALCIUM: Bone meal, ground hulls, enriched compost.

• FERTILIZERS WITH AMINO ACIDS + CALCIUM: Promote rapid foliar absorption during critical periods (fruit set, fruit development).

Biological control

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Recommendations

* Maintain stable soil moisture, avoiding alternating periods of drought with excessive or very heavy watering.

* Provide regular watering adapted to the plant's needs, especially during flowering, fruit set, and rapid fruit growth.

* Prevent plants from suffering water stress during periods of peak fruit growth.

* Improve drainage when water accumulates in the soil, as waterlogging can damage roots and reduce their absorption capacity.

* Also avoid excessively rapid drainage that leads to highly irregular water availability around the roots.

* Check the soil calcium content when the problem recurs.

* Maintain a suitable soil pH to promote calcium availability and proper root system function.

* Avoid excessive fertilizer applications that can increase soil salinity and hinder water and nutrient absorption. * Avoid significant imbalances between calcium and other cations such as potassium, magnesium, or ammonium, especially when intensive fertilization is carried out.

* Maintain a healthy and active root system, avoiding root damage during cultivation, transplanting, or work around the plant.

* Use organic matter and improve soil structure when necessary to promote adequate water retention and good root activity.

* Avoid excessive pruning or situations that drastically alter the ratio between leaf area and fruit load.

* Avoid excessively rapid vegetative growth caused by high nitrogen applications, especially during fruit development.

* Maintain balanced nutrition throughout the entire cycle, avoiding correcting the problem solely with one-off calcium applications.

* Apply calcium fertilizers to the soil when an analysis indicates insufficient calcium availability and the soil pH and conditions are compatible with their use. * In susceptible crops, consider foliar applications of calcium as a complementary measure, bearing in mind that their effectiveness in correcting blossom-end rot may be limited because calcium applied to the leaves does not always effectively reach the internal tissues of the fruit.

* Prioritize stable irrigation and proper root function over isolated foliar treatments.

* Remove severely affected fruit when necessary to prevent necrotic tissue from being colonized by secondary microorganisms.

* Avoid wounds and damage to affected fruit, as these can facilitate the entry of opportunistic fungi and bacteria.

* Conduct soil analysis and, when necessary, foliar analysis to determine if a nutritional deficiency actually exists before increasing fertilization rates.

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*Recommended treatments are still recommendations according to authority databases and in no way replace the guidelines established according to the legislation of each country.

*Products shown are recommendations and not our own products. As Amazon Associates, we earn revenue from purchases of recommended products.

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TREATMENTS

Homemade remedies

BONE MEAL OR GROUND FISH SHELLS

RUSTY NAILS OR IRON SHAVINGS

BANANA PEELS

EPSOM SALTS (MAGNESIUM SULFATE)

SOLUTION WITH HOUSEHOLD BORAX

GROUND OR BOILED EGGSHELLS

COMPOST WITH ONION OR GARLIC SCRAPS

VEGETABLE COOKING WATER

WOOD ASH

WATER WITH VINEGAR OR LEMON (VERY DILUTED)

GARLIC INFUSION

USED COFFEE OR TEA

BANANA AND EGGSHELL INFUSION

POTATO OR LEGUME COOKING WATER

COMPOST FROM FRESH GREEN LEAVES

COMPOST OR WELL-AGED MANURE

DILUTED MILK (1:10)

BANANA TEA

LEAF COMPOST

NETTLE SLURRY

POTASSIUM SOAP AND NEEM OIL SOLUTION

POTASSIUM SOAP SOLUTION + NEEM OIL + DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

BAKING SODA AND NEUTRAL SOAP SOLUTION

GARLIC INFUSION WITH NEUTRAL SOAP

CHROMATIC OR ADHESIVE TRAPS

DILUTED MILK

HORSETAIL INFUSION

TRUNK WHITEWASHING

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

WOOD ASH

NETTLE SLURRY

CUT THE AFFECTED BRANCHES AND APPLY CINNAMON

GARLIC AND CINNAMON INFUSION

INFUSION OF WORMWOOD, CHILI OR CHILLI

CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA AND APPLY ASH PASTE WITH GARLIC OR CINNAMON

GARLIC AND MINT INFUSION

LIGHT TRAPS

APPLY CINNAMON POWDER

PITFALL TRAPS

CRUSHED EGG SHELLS

CLEAN AND SEAL THE WOUND WITH CLAY, CINNAMON AND GARLIC PASTE

GARLIC INFUSION

MATURE COMPOST

TRAPS WITH VINEGAR AND SOAP

SEAL HOLES WITH ASH PASTE AND CRUSHED GARLIC

VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA SOLUTION

ANT TRAP

TAPE TRAP

PHEROMONE TRAP

ALCOHOL TRAPS

FUNNEL TRAP

There are no home treatments

Natural allies

PREDATORY MITES

LADYBUGS

LACEWINGS

PARASITIC WASPS

HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES

PREDATORY BUGS

There are no natural allies

Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)

Chemical treatments

AGRICULTURAL SULFUR (POWDER OR SOLUBLE)

POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS

MAGNESIUM FERTILIZERS

BORON FERTILIZERS

CALCIUM FERTILIZERS

NITROGEN FERTILIZERS

PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZERS

IRON FERTILIZERS

SULFUR FERTILIZERS

NPK FERTILIZERS

There are no treatments for this disease. Treatments are directed at the insect vectors that transmit it. See insect treatments.

ABAMECTIN 0.0015% + PYRETHRINS 0.02%

RAPESEAL OIL

RAPESEAL OIL + PYRETHRINS

ORANGE OIL 6%

PARAFFIN OIL

ACETAMIPRID

ACETAMIPRID 0.005%

ACETAMIPRID 20%

SULFUR

COPPER 20%

COPPER 25%

COPPER 35%

COPPER 38%

COPPER 50%

COPPER 52%

DELTAMETHRIN 1.57%

DELTAMETHRIN 10%

DELTAMETHRIN 2.5%

DIFENOCONAZOLE 1.67%

ESFENVALERATE 2.5%

ESFENVALERATE 5%

100% GARLIC EXTRACT

PHENHEXAMIDE 50%

FLUPYRADIFURONE

FLUPIRADIFURONE 20%

FOSETIL-AL 80%

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

ALUMINUM PHOSPHIDE 56%

PHOSTIAZATE 10%

PHOSTIAZATE 15%

HEXITIAZOX 10%

POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

LAMBDA CYHALOTHRIN

LAMINARIN 4.5%

METALDEHYDE

PIRACLOSTROBIN 6.7% + BOSCALIDE 26.7%

PYRETHRINS

PYRIPROXIFEN 10%

POTASSIUM SALTS OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

SPINOSAD 0.024%

SPINOSAD 12%

SPINOSAD 48%

TAU-FLUVALINATE 24%

TETRACONAZOLE 10%

TETRACONAZOLE 12.5%

TETRACONAZOLE 4%

TRICHODERMA ASPERELLUM (STRAIN T34)

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RECOMMENDATIONS

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OTHER PESTS

Fruit with symptoms of calcium deficiency and developmental abnormalities

Calcium deficiency or blossom-end rot

Fruit affected by water stress with symptoms of dehydration and cracking

Water stress

Fruit affected by weevils with holes and surface damage

Weevils

Fruit affected by waterlogging with soft areas and rot

Watery fruits

Fruit affected by bacterial disease with spots and lesions on the surface

Bacterial infection

Fruit affected by fungi with spots, rot and mold

Mycosis

Fruit with symptoms of boron deficiency and developmental deformities

Boron Deficiency

Fruit with sunburn and areas damaged by excessive sun exposure

Excessive sun

Fruit damaged by snails and slugs with bites and eroded areas

Snails and/or slugs

Fruit affected by powdery mildew with spots and presence of white powder

Powdery mildew

Fruit affected by downy mildew with spots and damaged areas

Mildew

Fruit affected by Alternaria with dark spots and areas of rot

Alternaria

Fruit with symptoms of potassium deficiency and ripening disorders

Potassium Deficiency

Fruit affected by monilia with brown spots and rot

Moniliosis or brown rot

Fruit affected by Botrytis with rot and gray mold

Botrytis or gray mold

Fruit affected by bed bugs with bites and spots on the surface

Bed bugs

Fruit damaged by beetles with holes and bites on the surface

Beetles

Fruit affected by anthracnose with dark spots and sunken lesions

Anthracnose

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