Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the sixth most important fruit crop worldwide, is likely at risk under a climate change scenario of accelerated soil organic matter mineralization and constrained plant nutrient supplies such as zinc (Zn) and boron (B). We identified the optimum nutrient formulation and application method to possibly rectify nutrient deficits in mango plants grown in one of the warmest and driest regions—Multan, Pakistan. We evaluated the yield and physiological (quality) responses of 20-year-old mango trees to seven treatments of foliar and soil applications of Zn and B. Combined soil application of B and Zn resulted in optimum increases in leaf mineral B and Zn and fruit-set, retention, yield, pulp recovery and total soluble solids at ripening (p = 0.021), while reducing titratable acidity and early fruit shedding (p = 0.034). Additionally, this treatment improved fruit quality (taste, flavour, texture, aroma, acceptability; p ≤ 0.05). Yield was found to be correlated with retention percentage (P ≤ 0.001; R2 = 0.91), which was in turn related to fruit-set number panicle−1 (P = 0.039; R2 = 0.61). Therefore, we suggest that combined soil application of B and Zn mitigates leaf mineral deficiencies and improves the yield and quality of mango more efficiently than other individual or combined foliar or soil treatments used in this study.
Highlights
Mango (Mangifera indica Linnaeus) is one of the most popular and earliest cultivated fruits of tropical and sub-tropical regions, and is grown in more than 100 countries [1]
The central hypothesis was that collective soil application of Zn and B would increase fruit yield and improve fruit quality by mitigating the tissue micronutrient deficiencies
This study found that the foliar and soil Zn and B applications improved the yield and quality parameters of fruits in a mango orchard grown and volume) and quality parameters of fruits in a mango orchard grown on normal loam soil in an arid region
Summary
Mango (Mangifera indica Linnaeus) is one of the most popular and earliest cultivated fruits of tropical and sub-tropical regions, and is grown in more than 100 countries [1]. As far as we know, little attention has been paid to the optimum nutrient formulation that mitigates plant micronutrient deficiencies by foliar or soil application and improves fruit quality traits and yield. Application of B and Zn improves the biochemistry of flowers and results in enhancing the fruit-set number per panicle and a fruit retention percentage for in achieving mango yield sustainability [5]. The central hypothesis was that collective soil application of Zn and B would increase fruit yield and improve fruit quality by mitigating the tissue micronutrient deficiencies. Specific objectives were to compare effects of foliar and soil-applied Zn and B on (1) leaf mineral Zn and B contents, (2) fruit retention, yield, and quality variables, over three growing seasons (2013–2015)
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