Nutrient Dynamics of Annual Growth-Flush in Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Abstract

Internal nutrient dynamics in mango (cv. Alphonso) were studied during its annual growth flush (January - June, 2002). The study consisted of sampling mature leaves and growth belonging to the previous thirteen seasons at least (representing the seasonal growth of the previous six years) at fruit-set and post-harvest stages of plant growth. The samples were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The study indicated that phosphorus moved from 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th internodes to current season's growth and accumulated at other internodes, potassium moved from mature leaves to the new growth and accumulated in all the other internodes. Calcium and magnesium moved from 9^th and older internodes to current season's growth, whereas, N was mostly remobilized from much older parts and by absorption from soil. The results imply that fertilizer application in productive mango trees should aim at keeping nutrient reserves of the permanent framework well-supplied to achieve sustained fruit production.