Natural Enrichment of Solanum tuberosum L. with Calcium—Monitorization of Mineral Interactions in Plant Tissues

Calcium is an essential nutrient for plants, being required for several structural roles (such as in the membranes and in the cell wall). Although most of the Ca is obtained via the xylem (taken up by roots from the soil), in potatoes the accumulation of minerals is mainly obtained via the phloem. So, it’s crucial to understand the mechanisms of Ca and its interaction with other minerals in plant tissues of tubers. In this context, this study aimed to monitor the mineral interactions in tubers and leaves of Solanum tuberosum L. after two foliar sprays with solutions of calcium chloride (1,3,6 and 12 kg.ha^-1) and calcium nitrate (0.5,1,2 and 4 kg.ha^-1), in order to improve naturally the Ca content. It was found different increases of Ca in the two fertilizers, with a higher content in the leaves with calcium nitrate 2 kg.ha^-1 and in the tubers with calcium chloride 12 kg.ha^-1. Moreover, Ca accumulation showed a synergetic interaction with Mg in leaves, and with P, K and S in tubers. It was concluded that in the middle of Ca enrichment process in tubers plants there was a heterogeneous interaction between other minerals both in tubers and in leaves.