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Edition 37

👋 Hey TropicalBytes family, welcome to edition 37 of Q.U.I.P.S.!

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In Today’s Email:

• Boron: The Hidden Goldmine in Macadamia and Avocado Nutrition? 💎

• Spot The Signs: FREE Nutrient Imbalances Poster [PDF] 📝

Many of you might be aware that sub-optimal yields and lower fruit quality in tree crops can often be traced back to issues like inadequate pollination, low fruit set, and poor crop nutrition. One key player in this scenario is Boron (B), a crucial nutrient for fruit set, affecting pollen germination and pollen tube growth. But, the relationship between floral boron concentration and fruit set remains somewhat of a puzzle.

Let’s take a deeper look… 🐇🕳️

Getting Boron Right ✅

Boron is essential for the health and growth of all crops, particularly for fruit, nut, and seed crops like Macadamias & Avocados. It’s a delicate balance though, as the line between deficiency and toxicity is thin, especially in lighter soils.

Too much boron (boron toxicity) can be problematic, potentially leading to significant losses. So, It's crucial to get the balance right.

Given that Boron easily leaches from the root zone, it's important to manage application intervals to maintain the correct levels throughout the season.

✏️ Note: Consulting with experts and conducting leaf analysis are key steps in determining the right boron application rates for your orchard.

Boron deficiency and toxicity each have their unique symptoms. Here’s some visual indicators for both macadamias and avocados:

The first step in getting boron application right is to understand your soil texture. This can be done through the ribbon test, a simple method that involves moistening soil and observing how it behaves when pressed into a ribbon.

Gradually press the ribbon between your thumb and forefinger and note how long it extends before breaking. By repeating this several times, you will find that it breaks into consistent lengths.

👉 Use this → [PDF Worksheet] to compare typical soil ribbon lengths with associated soil textures.

👇 For a quick reference, see the Ribbon Test Table below.

Once your soil texture is identified, use the [PDF Worksheet] to determine the appropriate boron base rate. Then, adjust this rate based on recent leaf and soil analysis results.

It's vital for Avocado and Macadamia trees to have a consistent boron supply throughout the year, which means applying small amounts frequently.

Remember, Boron is prone to leaching, particularly in high rainfall areas. The frequency of application can range from weekly in very sandy soils to every three or four months in clay soils.

🚨 Alert: Always adhere to the guidelines provided by your boron supplier!

Regular leaf boron level monitoring is essential to prevent both deficiency and toxicity. Maintaining soil moisture is also important as boron uptake is affected by it. If the soil dries out after boron application, wait until the moisture level is restored before applying more.

Uniform application of boron fertilisers is also crucial. Methods like using a calibrated weedicide boom spray is a convenient way to achieve this. Fertigation is also a good method, but ensure that your irrigation system delivers water uniformly across the block.

NB!!: Reduce boron rates for trees affected by phytophthora root rot. Sick trees take up less nutrients, so continuing normal applications can lead to toxic levels accumulating in the soil.

If you suspect boron toxicity, halt boron applications and conduct leaf and soil analysis to confirm levels.

🧪 If boron toxicity is confirmed:

1. Irrigate heavily to leach boron to below the root zone.

2. Collect and remove fallen leaves so the accumulated boron in the leaves cannot return to the soil.

3. Apply lime, dolomite, or gypsum to tie-up boron into less available forms.

4. Apply extra nitrogen to induce leaf flush in order to dilute the boron within the tree.

5. Avoid pruning as this will further concentrate boron in the tree.

Accurate boron nutrition requires precise calculation of rates and application intervals tailored to your specific situation. Use the [PDF Worksheet] for guidance, and when unsure, seek expert advice.

⚠️ Key Points to Remember:

• Avocados and macadamias are sensitive to both boron deficiency and toxicity.

• Adjust rates according to your soil texture and recent leaf/soil analyses.

• Apply boron fertilisers in small, frequent amounts.

• Keep the soil adequately moist.

• Don't overreact to minor deficiency symptoms such as shot hole in leaves.

• Lower boron rates for trees with phytophthora root rot.

Boron nutrition is a complex yet crucial aspect of your crop management.

Hope you find this information useful! 🤓

👉 Keen to Dive Even Deeper? Discover the surprising effects of Boron on macadamia fruit set, yield, and quality. Another compelling insight into the importance of cross-pollination! → [link]

🔗 A Big Thanks to Our Resources:

• www.avocado.org.au

• www.mdpi.com

• www.deedi.qld.gov.au

• www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Special Offer 🎁

FREE TropicalBytes Nutrient Imbalances Poster [PDF] 📝 

👉 Download Your FREE PDF Poster Here → [link]

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Happy farming, deep learning, and warm smiles! 🌱

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