Internal breakdown, mineral element concentration, and weight of mango fruit.
Raymond L., Schaffer B., Brecht J. K., Hanlon E. A.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 18905 S.W. 280 Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
Journal of Plant Nutrition 21 : 871-889
Abstract : Internal breakdown in mango fruits is often attributed to nutrient deficiency, particularly Ca, in the fruits. The relationship between internal breakdown in fruits, fruit mineral element concentrations and fresh weight (FW) was investigated. Tommy Atkins fruits were collected weekly from a commercial orchard in Miami, Florida, USA, from 4 weeks after fruit set (WAFS) until the fruit ripened. The concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and B and FW of fruits with and without internal breakdown were compared. Fruits with breakdown weighed more than healthy fruits 4 WAFS. However, when fruits were ripe there were no differences in fruit weight. Fruits with breakdown had higher concentrations of N, P, Ca and B than healthy fruits 4 WAFS. In ripe fruits, there were no differences between N, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe or B concentrations. Ripe, healthy fruits had higher Cu and lower P than ripe fruits with breakdown. No relationship between Ca deficiency and internal breakdown in mango fruits was identified.