Meeting Yield and Quality Goals in Avocado and Citrus

August represents a period of rapid fruit sizing and cell division in citrus and avocado. Total dry fruit weight experiences an uptick at this time, particularly in the flesh of the fruit.

This creates demand for critical nutrients to support the needs of the fruit and tree. Trees have the inherent programming to balance fruit and tree needs, however, these processes can be turned “on” or “off” depending on the nutrition levels of the plant relative to the demand of the crop load.

Calcium and potassium support proper functioning of the guard cells of stomata to regulate internal tissue temperatures and indirectly support photosynthesis. Calcium also plays a key role in maintaining cell wall strength and cell membrane integrity to prevent physiological disorders of fruit flesh and rind or peel. Nitrogen, magnesium, and zinc support the development of chlorophyll molecules to carry out photosynthesis and produce carbohydrates (or sugars). Lastly, phosphorous aids in the transport of carbohydrates to the fruit.

Much of the demand still exists for nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium, while significant demand remains for potassium and calcium. Micronutrients like boron, iron, manganese, and zinc can all aid in various processes that support accumulation of soluble solids in the fruit.

Crop demands should be actively managed with targeted soil and foliar applications of quality nutrients. Anticipating the needs during the upcoming development stages will help you to proactively engineer success. Reach out to your local Yara Agronomist to discuss how to incorporate these targeted applications into your program using the 4R principles; the Right Source, Right Rate, Right Tim, Right Place.

YaraTera® NITRAKAL™ - soil applied at 10-20 gpa

Is a liquid combination of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate. The inherent nutritional synergy supports strong vascular tissue development, helps plants to mitigate heat stress, and facilitates accumulation of soluble solids.

YaraVita® SOLATREL™ - foliar applied at 2qt/ac

Is an orthophosphate-based foliar nutrition product with potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc specifically formulated to provide avocado and citrus crops with key nutrients during peak demand.

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For more information, contact:

Patricia Dingus, Regional Sales Manager - Coastal CA
patricia.dingus@yara.com
(805) 765-7446

Eddie Muro, Sales Agronomist - Coastal CA
eddie.muro@yara.com
(805) 215-6981

David Morgan, YaraVita Specialist
david.morgan@yara.com
(559) 977-0233