Mango Nutrition Mastery Quiz Quiz

Assess your understanding of mango fertilization practices essential for healthy orchard management. This quiz covers nutrient requirements, fertilizer application methods, and common issues in mango nutrition.

1. Nitrogen's Role in Mango Trees

   Which nutrient is primarily responsible for promoting vegetative growth in young mango trees?

   1. Calcium
   2. Nitrogen
   3. Phosphorus
   4. Potassium

   Explanation: Nitrogen is key for vegetative growth and leaf development in young mango trees, encouraging healthy branching and canopy expansion. Phosphorus mainly supports root development and flowering, while potassium improves fruit quality and disease resistance. Calcium is important for cell wall strength but does not drive vegetative growth directly.

2. Best Timing for Fertilizer Application

   When is the most effective time to apply the main dose of fertilizer to established mango trees?

   1. At the onset of flowering
   2. Mid-winter dormancy
   3. Immediately after fruit set
   4. During fruit harvest

   Explanation: Applying fertilizer at the onset of flowering helps support the tree's nutrient demand during fruit development and flowering. Fertilizing during harvest won't benefit the current crop, after fruit set can be too late for optimal results, and mid-winter dormancy is inefficient as tree uptake is minimal.

3. Zinc Deficiency in Mangoes

   Which visual symptom is most commonly associated with zinc deficiency in mango trees?

   1. Sunken black fruit spots
   2. Leaf tips turning brown
   3. Leaf curling with purple veins
   4. Small, narrow leaves with interveinal chlorosis

   Explanation: Zinc deficiency leads to small, distorted leaves and interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) in mangoes. Brown leaf tips suggest potassium deficiency, sunken black fruit spots indicate possible anthracnose disease, and leaf curling with purple veins is not typical of zinc deficiency.

4. Application Method Selection

   What is the recommended method for applying micronutrients, like boron and zinc, to mango trees showing deficiency symptoms?

   1. Deep trunk injection
   2. Drip irrigation only
   3. Broadcasting granular fertilizer
   4. Foliar spray

   Explanation: Foliar sprays are advised for rapid correction of micronutrient deficiencies in mangoes as the nutrients are directly absorbed by the leaves. Trunk injection is rarely used for micronutrients, broadcasting granular fertilizer is more suitable for macronutrients, and drip irrigation may not deliver micronutrients as effectively for quick symptom relief.

5. Common Fertilization Mistake

   Over-application of nitrogen fertilizer in mango orchards can result in which undesirable outcome?

   1. Excessive vegetative growth and poor fruiting
   2. Fruit cracking
   3. Increased frost damage
   4. Iron toxicity symptoms

   Explanation: Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting, resulting in fewer or lower-quality fruits. Fruit cracking is usually linked to inconsistent watering or calcium imbalance, iron toxicity is not typical in mangoes, and while frost sensitivity may increase with lush growth, it is less direct than the effect on fruiting.