Effects of Ca fertilizers on leaf mineral nutrient concentrations as well as fruit Ca concentration and physiological disorder of 'Chiin Hwang' mango (Mangifera indica L.).
Lee S. R., Lin H. L., Shiesh C. C., Lee K. C.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Journal of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Science 44 : 363-370
Abstract : Prior to the bursting of flower buds of Chiin Hwang mango, 100 g CaCl2 and 10 kg shell-fish powder were applied to each tree. Leaf samples were taken from the first node adjacent to the inflorescence 1 month later and analysed for inorganic elements. Mango fruits were also harvested 96 days after anthesis and analysed for Ca content. Correlations were made between Ca concentration and the percentage mesocarp breakdown. Results indicated that Ca-treated mango trees tended to have a lower K concentration. From December to June, leaf N and P concentrations changed little. No trend was observed for Mg. K content decreased as buds unfolded into flower, while Ca content increased. In mesocarp tissue, no differences were found among total Ca, water soluble Ca and bound Ca. Their concentrations were highest in the outer mesocarp at the proximal end and in median and distal portions of the inner mesocarp. Water soluble Ca concentration was 2-4 times higher than bound Ca. On day 117, the treated trees had 45% decaying fruits as compared with 50% in the control. The percentages were higher on day 145 (84 and 91%, respectively). However, differences were not statistically significant due to high variation in the samples. There was a close relationship between the flesh disorder and fruit maturity.