The Link between Mineral Elements Variation and Internal Flesh Breakdown of ‘Keitt’ Mango in a Steep Slope Mountain Area, Southwest China

Internal flesh breakdown (IFB), a serious physiological disorder of mango fruit, causes significant economic losses in Southwest China. We investigated the extent IFB 100 orchards and how changes mineral nutrients fruit flesh, leaves soil affect IFB. found that 76% showed symptoms, average incidence was 10%. Fruit with higher contents N, P, K Mg, lower Ca content ratios N/Ca, K/Ca Mg/Ca. The from symptoms exhibited remarkable increase N Mg contents. No difference observed nutrient concentrations between without fruit. significantly positively correlated Mg/Ca flesh. However, when considering individual had higher, than or equal to healthy There strong correlation leaf same elements, but neither them soil. Considering trees were cultivated on steep slopes, fertilizer applied at fixed position, we hypothesized long-term fertilization partial root zone led excess soil, which reduced total resulted abnormal cellular distribution ultimately triggered development.