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Nitrogen Level Impacting Fruit Yield and Quality of Mango in Northern Tropical Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Constancio A. Asis

    (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm Science Precinct, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia)

  • Joanne Tilbrook

    (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm Science Precinct, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia)

  • Dallas Anson

    (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm Science Precinct, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia)

  • Alan Niscioli

    (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm Science Precinct, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia)

  • Danilo Guinto

    (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm Science Precinct, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
    Aukland Council, Private Bag 92300, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Mila Bristow

    (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Berrimah Farm Science Precinct, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia)

  • David Rowlings

    (Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia)

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is vital for mango yield and fruit quality, but finding the optimal amount is crucial to avoid the ‘stay green’ problem, which diminishes both fruit quality and profitability. This study aimed to assess the impact of N levels on the fruit quality and yield of ‘Kensington Pride’ (‘KP’) mangoes and determine the amount of N that triggers the ‘stay green’ effect in fruit. A field trial was conducted in a commercial orchard with N treatments (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 kg ha −1 ) and four replications during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Fruit yield was quantified, and post-harvest quality (skin color during ripening, sugar content [°Brix], and texture) as well as ethylene effects were assessed. Fruit yields did not vary among N levels over the two cropping seasons but were significantly lower in 2018 (20.0 t ha −1 ) compared to 2019 (38.5 t ha −1 ), illustrating the alternate year-bearing habit of ‘KP’ mangoes. In the 2018 harvest, fruit from trees receiving 25 kg N ha −1 appeared yellow–green compared to those with less N, while fruit from trees with 50 kg N ha −1 exhibited ‘stay green’ skin, indicating that applications of 25 and 50 kg N ha −1 were excessive. There was no ‘stay green’ skin observed in the 2019 harvest, indicating that the environment may also be a contributing factor. The texture of ripe fruit from untreated control trees had the highest flesh resistance. Moreover, ethylene-treated fruit ripened in nine days post-harvest and had significantly lower sugar content than untreated fruit, which ripened in 14 days. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions among N application, fruit quality, and yield of ‘KP’ mangoes, highlighting the importance of appropriate N management for a sustainable and environmentally friendly commercial mango production system.

Suggested Citation

  • Constancio A. Asis & Joanne Tilbrook & Dallas Anson & Alan Niscioli & Danilo Guinto & Mila Bristow & David Rowlings, 2024. "Nitrogen Level Impacting Fruit Yield and Quality of Mango in Northern Tropical Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-20, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2024:i:1:p:80-:d:1553739
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xin Zhang & Eric A. Davidson & Denise L. Mauzerall & Timothy D. Searchinger & Patrice Dumas & Ye Shen, 2015. "Managing nitrogen for sustainable development," Nature, Nature, vol. 528(7580), pages 51-59, December.
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