The effect of fruiting status on nutrient composition of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) during the flowering and fruiting season |
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| Authors: | C M Menzel M L Carseldine D R Simpson |
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| Institution: | 1. Maroochy Horticultural Research Station, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, P.O. Box 5083, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre, Nambour, Queensland 4560, Australia;2. Redlands Horticultural Research Station, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, P.O. Box 327, Cleveland, Queensland 4163, Australia |
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| Abstract: | SummaryThe pattern of leaf composition was investigated in three litchi orchards (cvs Bengal and Tai So) in subtropical Australia (Lat 27°S). Leaves were sampled from fruiting and non-fruiting branches from flowering to fruit harvest. The response to fruiting varied with the nutrient and the orchard. The major effect of fruiting was to reduce leaf K in two of the orchards. Leaf N, P, Zn and Na were lower in fruiting branches in a third of the orchards, while leaf Ca, Mg, Mn and B levels were higher. The levels of these nutrients in the other two orchards, and those of Cu and Fe, were not significantly affected by fruiting status. Strong seasonal effects from flowering to harvest on the leaf contents of most nutrients followed the typical pattern as leaves aged. Most nutrients were more stable during flowering to just after fruit set. The levels of most nutrients were similar in both leaf and fruit. The major exceptions were K which was about twice as high in the fruit and B which was five times higher in the leaves. The uptake of all nutrients continued throughout fruit growth in proportion to the accumulation of fruit dry weight and reached a maximum rate during the final period of aril (flesh) development. The relative order for final content in the fruit was: K>N>P>Mg>Ca>Na>Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>B. The choice of branch type and time of sampling would influence the diagnosis for N, K, Ca, Mg and Fe at these sites. It is recommended that leaves for diagnostic purposes in litchi be collected from fruiting branches two to six weeks after fruit set. |
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