The influence of boron applications on fruit production and cold storage of mangoes.
Coetzer L. A., Robbertse P. J., Wet E. de
Author Affiliation: Margaretha Mes-Instituut vir Saadnavorsing, Universiteit van Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Yearbook - South African Mango Growers' Association 11 : 29-31
Abstract : In a trial with 5-year-old mango trees, cv. Tommy Atkins, the effects were compared of spraying with B, as Solubor, at 3 g/litre. Sprays were applied once when the flower panicles began to appear, or when they began to open, or at both stages. After harvesting, the fruits were stored at 11°C for 3 weeks. Leaf B concentrations, assessed in June, July, Sep. and Nov., were highest in Sep. and Nov., the highest concentration (about 60 mg/kg) being obtained with 2 Solubor applications. Average fruit B concentration before harvest amounted to about 11 mg/kg; after storage, fruits from trees receiving one early application had the highest concentration, as well as the best fruit quality. Yields were highest (22 kg/tree, compared with about 14 kg/tree for unsprayed controls), with one early application or 2 applications. It was concluded that yields/tree could be further enhanced by raising the leaf B concentrations to about 100 mg/kg.