Improved methods for zinc and boron application to mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Kensington Pride in the Mareeba-Dimbulah district of North Queensland.
Littlemore J., Winston E. C., Howitt C. J., O'Farrell P., Wiffen D. C.
Author Affiliation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Box 1054, Mareeba, Qld 4880, Australia.
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 31 : 117-121
Abstract : Following soil and foliar treatments with Zn and B, concentrations of leaf microelements were measured in trees of cv. Kensington Pride in order to determine the best method of application. Quarterly foliar application of zinc sulphate (1.0%) was the most cost-effective way to maintain leaf Zn above the critical concentration of 20 mg/kg DM. Yearly soil application of 50 g of Solubor/tree maintained leaf B above the adequate concentration of 50 mg/kg. Single Solubor soil applications of 100 and 200 g/tree annually were phytotoxic, with severe leaf burn associated with leaf B concentrations of 320 mg/kg. In general, mango yield was not significantly affected by any of the treatments, nor was it significantly correlated with leaf Zn or B concentrations.