A technology for foliar nutrition of micro nutrients for higher and quality yields developed for Mango

Mango special: Due to excessive use of DAP fertilizers and introduction of high yielding cultivars, deficiency of micronutrients has become a major problem. However, very few farmers use micronutrient fertilizers. Balanced nutrition is very important for high yield, quality and resistance to diseases. Hence foliar spray comprising secondary and micronutrients viz., Magnesium, Sulphur, Zinc, Boron, Iron, Copper, Manganese and Molybdenum is important. 

Recommended for all mango varieties Can be mixed with any fungicide or insecticide Enhances fruit quality in terms of fruit appearence fruit keeping quality and taste.

Field trial on Mango special: Field trial was conducted to study the effect of different micronutrient foliar formulations on yield and quality of mango variety Banganapalli. The results showed that application of IIHR Mango special (during flower bud differentiation, flower initiation and marble stage of fruit growth) was effective in improving fruit yield (28.54 kg/tree) and quality (TSS of 18.9°B).

Major nutrient requirements of Alphonso mango under rainfed conditions worked out.

Nutritional requirements of mango cultivars namely Alphonso and Totapuri were worked out. A dose of 100 g each of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O/plant/ year of age was found to be optimum for Alphonso. In case of Totapuri 50 g N/plant/year of age was found to be optimum whereas, P and K application did not affect the fruit yield nor growth of Totapuri mango.

Role of Micronutrient management for production of export quality Mangoes

Though India is the highest producer of Mango with largest area, the percent exported is the lowest. The reason are many Low post harvest life, lack of varieties with red skin and orange flesh, regular assured supply (alternate bearing affects it). Some physiological disorders like spongy tissue, soft nose, jelly seed are also becoming problems which affect export and a sound nutrition management can solve many of the problem to increase export.

Steps to Improve Export of Mango by better Nutrient Management

1. Avoid Excess Nitrogen – Due to excess N application to soil or alternate bearing N builds up in Mango (0.8 – 1.2% leaf Nitrogen) is ideal INM (30% foliar, 70% Soil) 70% Soil = 35% Organic, 35% Inorganic.

2. In low pH (konkan) and high pH Calcareous soil provide P soil or foliar if leaf P is low 0.08% leaf P. Provide enough P before flowering.

3. Correct Boron deficiency – Boron is lost by leaching in Konkan soil and unavailable in Western Maharashtra. B deficiency is most widespread nutrient disorder in India. Alphonso, Sendura, Rasburi are highly susceptible. Foliar spray of 0.1% Boric acid in May, November, December or January and Soil application of 100g Borax per tree once in 2 years. It affects fruitset, Fruit drop, Lumpy fruits, Mesocarp soffening adjacent to stone.

4. Correct Zinc deficiency is the most important disorder after Boron in Konkan and Western Maharashtra. Applying 500g Zinc sulphate once in 3 years foliar spray of 0.3% ZnSO₄ in November, December & January gives satisfactory correction. Iron deficiency is called Lime Induced chlorosis and it is more in winter, more in calcareous soil especially in Western Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidharbha. FeSO₄ 0.5% spray corrects it.

5. Increased fruit calcium enhances post harvest life. In konkan the Aluminium toxicity and acidic soil reduces Ca uptake. Avoiding excess Nitrogen and adequate B and foliar spray of 0.5% CaCl₂ one month before harvest provides relief.

6. Better skin & high colour by adequate K & Mn, and insect resistance & less pesticide residue.