Enhancing Durian Fruit Quality through Foliar Calcium Fertilization
2025
Odit F. Kurniadinata | Fachrozzy F. Erzha | Syakhril Syakhril
Calcium (Ca²⁺) is vital for fruit structural integrity and ripening uniformity, yet its mobility into durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) fruit tissues remains poorly understood. Uneven fruit ripening (UFR), a costly disorder for growers, has been linked to localized Ca deficiency. This study evaluated the effect of foliar CaCO₃ application at different concentrations and frequencies on Ca accumulation in pedicel and pericarp tissues and on key fruit physical traits. Despite variation in treatments, no significant improvement was observed in Ca content or fruit morphology. Pedicel Ca consistently exceeded pericarp Ca, confirming a translocation bottleneck that restricts Ca movement into the fruit. These findings provide practical guidance for growers, showing that conventional foliar CaCO₃ sprays are unlikely to correct Ca-related ripening issues under humid tropical field conditions. The results also highlight that management strategies should prioritize alternative Ca delivery methods, improved timing, or cultivar selection rather than relying solely on foliar Ca fertilization. This study contributes physiological and agronomic insights important for durian orchard management and future Ca-related research.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Directory of Open Access Journals