Effect of fertilizer, potassium nitrate sprays and irrigation on the physico-chemical composition of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits cv. Carabao.
Bhuyan M. A. J., Irabagon J. A.
Author Affiliation: J. A. Irabagon, Department of Crop Science, Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
South Indian Horticulture 40 : 9-15
Abstract : Trials were conducted from June 1990 to Mar. 1991 on 7.5-year-old trees grown at a spacing of 14 × 14 m. The trees received the following treatments: complete mango fertilizer at 0, 2 or 4 kg/tree, applied in 2 equal doses in June and Oct.; KNO3 at 0, 10 or 20 g/litre, applied as a spray in Nov. to induce flowering (control trees were sprayed with water); and irrigation, as 5 applications at 15-day intervals from full bloom, or no irrigation. Fruits were harvested 120 days after spraying with KNO3 and analysed for size, weight, pH, titratable acidity, TSS, moisture content and dry matter. Non-induced trees (not treated with KNO3) did not flower, therefore no results were obtained for these. Treatments with fertilizer, KNO3 and irrigation had no significant independent effects. However, larger, heavier fruits were produced by the combined effects of fertilization, no irrigation and spraying with 10 g KNO3/litre water. High pH and TSS values were found in fruits of non-irrigated, fertilized trees sprayed with 20 g KNO3/litre water. Data are given for mature unripe and ripe fruits and the interactions of treatments.