Sustainability, Vol. 18, Pages 2574: Impact of Organic Fertilizers on the Quality of Mango var. ‘Kent’ During Physiological and Commercial Maturity

Fuente: Sustainability - Revista científica (MDPI)
Sustainability, Vol. 18, Pages 2574: Impact of Organic Fertilizers on the Quality of Mango var. ‘Kent’ During Physiological and Commercial Maturity
Sustainability doi: 10.3390/su18052574
Authors:
Henry Morocho-Romero
Ricardo Peña-Castillo
Arturo Morales-Pizarro
Sandy Vilchez-Navarro
Sebastian Casas-Niño
Gabriela Cárdenas-Huamán
Esdwin-Oberti Nuñez-Ticliahuanca
Ana Montañez-Artica
Leslie Velarde-Apaza
Max Ramirez-Rojas
Flavio Lozano-Isla

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a key fruit crop in Peru; however, its reliance on chemical fertilizers raises concerns regarding fruit quality and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of soil-applied compost and foliar-applied biol on the quality of ‘Kent’ mango fruits at physiological and commercial maturity stages. Conducted during the 2022–2023 season, the experiment used a 3 × 3 factorial design with compost applied at 0, 5, and 15 t/ha and biol at 0, 5, and 10%, plus a chemically fertilized control. Results revealed significant compost–biol interactions. At physiological maturity, treatments 5-10, 15-5 and 15-10 improved pulp color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and dry matter content, achieving a desirable yellow pulp (2.0 on the scale), 9.29 °Brix, 1.23% acidity, and 20.96% dry matter—surpassing the control. At commercial maturity, these treatments also enhanced fruit firmness (0.42 MPa), reduced acidity (0.47%), increased pulp pH (4.69), and intensified orange pulp color. Overall, organic fertilization, particularly higher compost and biol doses, significantly improved fruit quality parameters compared to conventional chemical management. These findings highlight the potential of integrating organic amendments to promote sustainable mango cultivation while maintaining or enhancing fruit quality, thus providing a viable alternative for eco-friendly nutrient management in mango orchards.