Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the sixth most important fruit crop worldwide, is likely at risk under a climate change scenario of accelerated soil organic matter mineralization and constrained plant nutrient supplies such as zinc (Zn) and boron (B). We identified the optimum nutrient formulation and application method to possibly rectify nutrient deficits in mango plants grown in one of the warmest and driest regions-Multan, Pakistan. We evaluated the yield and physiological (quality) responses of 20-year-old mango trees to seven treatments of foliar and soil applications of Zn and B. Combined soil application of B and Zn resulted in optimum increases in leaf mineral B and Zn and fruit-set, retention, yield, pulp recovery and total soluble solids at ripening (p = 0.021), while reducing titratable acidity and early fruit shedding (p = 0.034). Additionally, this treatment improved fruit quality (taste, flavour, texture, aroma, acceptability; p ≤ 0.05). Yield was found to be correlated with retention percentage (P ≤ 0.001; R² = 0.91), which was in turn related to fruit-set number panicle-1 (P = 0.039; R² = 0.61). Therefore, we suggest that combined soil application of B and Zn mitigates leaf mineral deficiencies and improves the yield and quality of mango more efficiently than other individual or combined foliar or soil treatments used in this study.
Keywords: Mangifera indica L.; aroma; flavour; fruit quality; fruit retention; fruit set; fruit yield; nutrient; orchard; organoleptic; taste; texture.