Phosphorus deficiency-Apples | Yara South Africa

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Nutrients

Apples - Spongy tissue

Symptoms
Low phosphor concentrations in fruits produce "low temperature breakdown", shown by brown and soft areas within flesh in store. Only at progressed stage damage is visible from the outside. Fruits are squashy and show brown areas on surface.

Reasons
Phosphor deficiency

Apples - Spongy tissue

Symptoms
Low phosphor concentrations in fruits produce "low temperature breakdown", shown by brown and soft areas within flesh in store. At progressed stage damage is visible from the outside. Fruits are brown and squashy.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency

Phosphorus deficiency made worse by

Acidic or very alkaline (calcareaus) soils
Low organic matter
Cold or wet conditions
Crops with a poorly developed root system
Soils with low P reserves
Soils with a high phosphate capacity
Iron rich soils

Phosphorus is important for

Increases fruit size
Gives better colour
Increases firmness
Reduces storage disorders
Increase fruit calcium levels

Yara recommended fertilizers for Phosphorus

YaraVita CROP BOOST

Apple: 4 to 6 applications of 5 l/ha from the end of flowering. Repeat applications at 10 to 14 day intervals. Water rate: 500 l/ha minimum. Under conditions conducive to fruit russet (variety, weather conditions, etc) delay applications until 6 weeks after petal fall.

YaraVita SENIPHOS

Apples: 5 to 10 l/ha repeated 3-5 times at 10 to 14 day intervals commencing at petal fall. Water rate: 500 l/ha minimum. Alternatively, 300 mls / 100 l repeated 3-5 times at 10 to 14 day intervals commencing at petal fall, based on a typical TRV of 2500 l/ha and a maximum TRV of 4000 l/ha. For red coloration: Seniphos at 10 l/ha in 1000 litres water/ha has been shown to enhance red coloration. 1 or 2 applications (7 days apart) should be made once the fruit has started to change colour, normally 2-3 weeks before harvest. Please note that it is important to use the recommended water volume.