A UF/IFAS presentation during Citrus Nutrition Day says that zinc and potassium reduce fruit drop and increase yield.
Citrus Nutrition Day included a presentation that focused on the benefits of zinc and potassium in the citrus grove. UF/IFAS associate professor of horticulture, Fernando Alferez, maintained that “Different formulations of zinc applied by foliar spray increase fruit yield by reducing fruit drop in Hamlin and Valencia oranges,” according to a Citrus Industry article, and that “potassium enhances the beneficial effects of zinc.” The article shared highlights of Alferez’s presentation; see it below.
Highlights on Zinc and Potassium in the Citrus Grove
The article shared that Alferez’s “hypothesis is that auxin levels must be maintained at high levels to avoid fruit abscission triggering and fruit drop. Alferez thinks zinc may modulate fruit physiology and retention by maintaining auxin levels. He added that potassium increases fruit quality.”
The article also shared highlights from Alferez’s presentation:
- “For Valencia fruit yield and quality, particulate zinc treatments increased yield by 53% compared to trees treated with zinc sulfate. Brix was not significantly affected, but the Brix-to-acid ratio was increased.”
- “A significant increase in Hamlin fruit yield was observed with Ferti-Zinc and Nu-Zinc as compared to zinc sulfate. Hamlin fruit drop was reduced by about 30% in all treatments until December 2024.”
- “Overall tree health was improved by foliar application of zinc. Particulate zinc formulations (Ferti-Zinc and Nu-Zinc) improved tree health better than zinc sulfate.”
The article also shared that “Alferez and his team are now assaying zinc applications in oxytetracycline (OTC)-treated trees. Because such trees are in healthier shape, researchers expect better fruit retention and more fruit yield as a result of OTC and zinc treatments.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.