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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Boron Effects on Fruit Set, Yield, Quality and Paternity of Macadamia
Agronomy, Vol.12(3), pp.1-14
2022
Abstract
Many tree crops experience sub-optimal yields and low fruit quality due to inadequate pollination, low fruit set, and poor crop nutrition. Boron (B) is a critical crop nutrient for fruit set because B levels affect pollen germination and pollen tube growth. However, the relationship between floral B concentration and fruit set is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of B applications on the initial fruit set, yield, quality, and paternity of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia). Cultivar ‘816’ trees received one of three treatments: (a) 0 g, (b) 15 g, or (c) 30 g B per tree prior to flowering. Boron application increased the B concentration of macadamia flowers. Application of 15 g B increased fruit set at 3 weeks after peak anthesis, but this higher initial fruit set was not translated into higher fruit set at 6 or 10 weeks after peak anthesis or higher yield. Boron application increased B concentrations in kernels but did not affect nut-in-shell (NIS) mass, kernel mass, kernel recovery, kernel oil concentration or incidence of whole kernels. Cultivar ‘816’ was highly outcrossing, with 97–98% cross-paternity among kernels from all treatments. Our results indicate that higher B concentration in macadamia flowers can be associated with an increased initial fruit set. However, high B levels did not affect yield, nut quality, or the proportion of self-pollinated fruit at maturity. The heavy dependence on outcrossing highlights the importance of inter-planting different cultivars and managing bee hives to sustain the productivity of macadamia orchards.
Details
- Title
- Boron Effects on Fruit Set, Yield, Quality and Paternity of Macadamia
- Authors
- Anushika L. De Silva (Author) - Griffith UniversityWiebke Kämper (Author) - Griffith UniversityHelen M. Wallace (Author) - Griffith UniversitySteven M. Ogbourne (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - LegacyShahla Hosseini Bai (Author) - Griffith UniversityJoel Nichols (Author) - Griffith UniversityStephen J. Trueman (Author) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- Agronomy, Vol.12(3), pp.1-14
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.3390/agronomy12030684
- ISSN
- 2073-4395
- Copyright note
- Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99622937602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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