Nutrients

P Phosphorus
Ca Calcium

Melons - Deformation

Symptoms
Fruit shape becomes irregular.

Reasons
Phosphorus deficiency Another reason for malformed fruit might be nitrogen or boron 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

  • Ensuring good start and continued growth for high yield
  • Increases fruit set, fruit development and early maturity