Potential use of the immobile mineral element composition of mango fruit as an indicator of susceptibility to lenticel damage.
Kruger F. J., Fraser C.
Author Affiliation: ARC-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops, Private Bag X11208, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa.
Research Journal - South African Mango Growers' Association 24 : 44-46
Abstract : During the 2002/03 season, a survey was conducted aimed at collecting baseline information on the maturation rate and maturity-related mineral content of mango fruit. The study was initiated at Bavaria Estates (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa) using the Tommy Atkins cultivar. During the 2003/04 season, the survey was extended to the Onderberg region. Due to the exceptionally dry conditions that prevailed in Onderberg during December 2003, a number of additional observations were made on a Hazyview farm after rains fell during January 2004. These rendered some very relevant results. The rind of less susceptible mangoes was found to contain significantly lower levels of immobile elements than that of more susceptible fruit. Similarly, the pulp of more susceptible fruit contained higher concentrations of immobile elements. The observed concentration increases would seem to be caused by amplified uptake and translocation of less soluble elements after good rains. This implies that the mineral composition of mango fruit may be used as an indicator of (hopefully transient) susceptibility to lenticel damage. It is crucial that the present assumptions be tested under commercial conditions and that practical, usable recommendations be formulated for reducing lenticel damage.