Phosphorus increases the potential for fruiting by increasing the number of flower clusters, their intensity and the level of apple set.
Increasing pome fruit numbers
Fruit number in pome fruit trees results from a variety of factors, including planting density, orchard system, pruning and thinning practices and also crop nutrition. The desired fruit size should be considered when managing crop load since allowing too many fruits to remain on the tree will result in smaller fruits and reduce tree vigor.
Crop nutrition and pome fruit number
Phosphorus
Boron
Because boron is not readily translocated within the tree, it is most critically used as foliar applications targeted at key periods of flower and fruit formation so as to maintain flower set.
Zinc
Pre-bloom applications of zinc can help aid the recovery of winter injured trees and also ensure supplies are not limiting during flowering and new fruit formation.
Magnesium
Magnesium is important in ensuring good growth, but at relatively low levels. It has a critical role to play in leaf growth and good flowering with minimal fruitdrop.
Related articles
Increasing pome size
Size is a critical characteristic for grading pome fruits. A minimal size, determined by the diameter of the equatorial section, is required on all grades. An evenly shaped and sized fruit is desired for the fresh market and also for canning. Pome fruit...
Increasing pome fruit weight
Pome fruit weight is an important element for increasing yields. Provided that a desired quality is maintained, the aim of growers is to produce heavier fruits. Crop nutrition plays an important role on increasing apple weight.
Increasing pome fruit firmness
Over-use or late applications of nitrogen reduces apple firmness, potentially resulting in more damage in transit and storage, and a reduced shelf life.
