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Seasonal variations in nutrient concentrations of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) leaves
Author(s)
Poovarodom, Sumitra
Mairaing, Sompit
Ketsayom, Pimon
Tawinteung, Nukoon
Prasittikhet, Jirapong
Date Issued
January 1, 2001
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Nutrient concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in mature commercial durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) "Mon Thong" leaves were investigated throughout the 1998/99 growing season. As leaves mature, concentration of N, P and K decreased, especially K. In contrast, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn concentrations increased with leaf age, but the pattern was slightly different for each element. Ca and Fe increased as the season progressed while Mg and Mn concentrations gradually increased early in the growing season but remained relatively constant during the later part of the sampling period. Fluctuations in tissue Cu and Zn concentrations were observed during the growing season due to nutritional and fungicidal spray applied to foliage. Seasonal variations in durian leaf nutrient concentrations are similar to those reported for other evergreen and deciduous fruit trees with minimum variations occurring between October and December. Only N and K were significantly influenced by the position of leaves on twigs, but the differences were relatively small. No difference in any nutrient concentration was found between leaves sampled from either the bottom or the middle of the tree canopy. It is suggested that durian leaves should be sampled from any position on twigs when they are 5-7 months old, which usually happens between October and December.
Citation
Acta Horticulturae, 564, 235-242, 2001