Calcium and boron application in staked tomato

Abstract

Calcium (Ca) and boron (B) application to prevent physiological disorders is a common practice in tomato crop. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar sprays of boric acid and Ca and B formulations, and soil application of borax, in tomato crop during the growing seasons 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13, in Caçador – SC. Macro and micronutrients were determined in the diagnostic leaf at the beginning of fruit ripening. In each harvest date, it was evaluated total, marketable (extra AA and extra A) and unmarketable yield, and physiological disorders. Ca and B applications had no effect on tomato yield and on physiological disorders. It was not observed visual symptoms of deficiency or toxicity when a nutrient content in leaves was bellow or above the normal range. Foliar sprays of boric acid increased B content in leaves but had no effect on yield and on physiological disorders.