Calcium plays an important physiological role as a component essential to cell walls, that are indispensable to the plant’s normal development. Indeed, it provides a physical barrier against the penetration of pathogens. It is essential in regulating enzymatic systems, phytohormone activities (auxins) and to good nutrient absorption. Calcium also plays a role in pollen fertility. Calcium is a second messenger in many transduction signal pathways in the plant that coordinate some cellular activities. Calcium plays a vital role in the crop’s resistance to stress.

Calcium deficiencies

Due to the limited mobility of calcium in the plant, calcium deficiency manifests itself in leaves and younger fruits. It is therefore important to provide a continuous supply of calcium to encourage whole-plant growth. Using Póma OP contributes to the production of superior quality crops and greater crop preservation. Regular foliar applications of Póma OP provide the required level of calcium considered essential for good calibre development, firmness, resistance to stress and disease, and preservation capacity. Póma OP helps to fight against physiological disorders linked to calcium deficiency in fruit and vegetable crops: bitter pit in apple, leaf tip-burn in lettuce and cabbage, blossom-end rot in tomato, pepper, and cucumber, blackheart in celery, cracking in citrus fruits, prune and cherry, coulure in grapes and olives, etc. Since it is nitrogen-free, Póma OP can be applied late in the orchard without posing a risk to premature ripening, colouration, and fruit preservation. Póma OP is recommended to apple growers cultivating varieties with chlorine-sensitive foliage such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious or Idared.