Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Effects on Fruiting and Petiole Composition of 24- to 48-month Old Papaya Plants1

Abstract

Bearing Solo papaya plants ( Carica papaya L.) 24- to 48-months old grown on aa lava soil were treated with N and K fertilizers in factorial combinations. An increase in N or K fertilization increased the total number and total weight of marketable fruit and the weight of each marketable fruit. N fertilization increased petiole concentrations of N, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, and decreased those of P and B. K fertilization increased petiole concentrations of K and Mn, and decreased those of N, P, Ca, Mg, Na, and B. The maximum yield of marketable fruit was associated with petiole concentrations of 1.44% N and 2.52% K.