Explore key aspects of tomato nutrition and fertilization for healthier harvests and optimal growth. Suitable for students and practitioners interested in horticultural practices.
Which nutrient is most critical for promoting successful fruit set and development in tomato plants?
Explanation: Potassium plays a vital role in fruit formation and quality in tomatoes. Nitrogen primarily supports leafy growth, not fruit setting. Iron is essential for chlorophyll synthesis, but less involved in fruiting. Chlorine is a micronutrient, but deficiencies are rare and it does not significantly influence fruit set.
A tomato plant shows pale, yellowing lower leaves and stunted growth; which nutrient is most likely deficient?
Explanation: Nitrogen deficiency typically causes older leaves to yellow and can stunt growth. Zinc deficiency leads to small leaves and interveinal chlorosis. Phosphorus deficiency often results in dark or purplish leaves. Calcium deficiency usually causes blossom end rot rather than general yellowing.
If a tomato grower sees leathery, dark spots on the blossom end of the fruits, which nutrient imbalance is most often responsible?
Explanation: Blossom end rot is mainly caused by insufficient calcium in developing tomato fruits. Magnesium deficiency leads to interveinal yellowing but not end rot. Sulfur deficiency is rare and affects overall growth, while manganese mainly affects leaf health.
Which of the following micronutrients is required in small amounts but is essential for enzyme activation in tomato plants?
Explanation: Zinc acts as a cofactor for several enzymes in tomatoes and is needed only in trace amounts. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are macronutrients required in much larger quantities compared to zinc.
When is the most effective stage to apply supplemental fertilizer to maximize tomato yield and fruit quality?
Explanation: Applying fertilizer just before flowering provides nutrients when the plant's demand increases for fruit production. Fertilizing at seed sowing or during seedling emergence can cause nutrient loss and does not directly support fruiting. After the first harvest, fertilizer may help late fruits but is less influential on overall yield.