It plays an important role in the structure of the plant as an integral part of the cell wall, increasing the mechanical resistance of tissues and as a neutralizer of organic acids in the cytosol.
Calcium is part of pectin through calcium pectates and is required for elongation and mitotic cell division; this is reflected in root growth. In addition, in the cell membrane, Ca is important for linking phosphate/carboxylic groups of phospholipids and provides stability to proteins.
Deficiency – Calcium deficiency necrotizes the growth points of young leaves and causes severe restrictions on root growth. A lack of magnesium causes old leaves to become chlorotic at the edges and a deficiency of boron causes leaf curling, causing the roots to become cracked.
