Crop Nutrition - The Original Crop Protection
Fall planting is here! The most ideal varieties and trait packages have been selected, your chemical program is planned, but have you considered the importance of a strong crop nutrition program to give your crop the best shot at success?
Crop nutrition can impact two resistance mechanisms for pests:
- Creating mechanical barriers, such as the strengthening of cell walls
- The accelerated production of natural defense compounds
Consider your nitrogen source
Studies show tomato susceptibility to fusarium crown and root rot is much greater in the presence of ammonium nitrogen compared to nitrate nitrogen. A study also found that nitrate-nitrogen inhibits disease development and decreases the effects of fusaric acid – a toxin released by pathogens.
Adequate nitrogen levels are needed for disease resistance. However, excess nitrogen or an imbalance with other nutrients can promote favorable conditions to disease. This makes it critical to pay attention to your sources of nitrogen as well as determining the proper balance within your crop fertility program.
Don't forget the calcium!
Calcium can impact a plant’s susceptibility to disease in two ways:
- Calcium is important to the stability and function of plant membranes. When calcium is deficient, the membrane can leak sugars and amino acids from the cytoplasm into the apoplast, which can stimulate the infection of pathogens.
- Calcium is an essential component in maintaining the cell wall structure of a plant. Drops in calcium can increase the susceptibility of fungi that will enter the xylem and dissolve cell walls causing the plant to wilt.
The power of potassium
A deficiency of potassium can impair the synthesis of high-molecular-weight compounds (proteins, starch, and cellulose) and low-molecular-weight organic compounds will accumulate. Potassium can also prevent disease attacks by promoting the development of thicker outer walls in epidermal cells. Plants deficient in potassium have impaired protein synthesis and can accumulate simple N compounds (amides), which are used by invading plant pathogens. Potassium can also influence plant metabolism.
Provide N, Ca, and K for your tomato crop with YaraTera 5-0-7 + 3.4% Ca
Do not let all your decisions go to waste by letting your fertilizer program fall to the wayside! For a fertilizer designed for fertigation, Yara Tera 5-0-7 + 3.4% Ca provides a balanced formulation of nitrogen, potassium, and calcium that are immediately available for tomato plants.
Contact your local Yara representative to learn more about your crop’s needs through Megalab tissue testing and Yara’s crop nutrition solutions.
PrimeTomatoes program including YaraTera 5-0-7 + 3.4% Ca on the left, growers standard practice on the right
Taylor Sewell
Sales Agronomist, North Florida & South Georgia
taylor.sewell@yara.com
