Nut Quality
When oil content and kernel recovery are less than expected, what are the likely causes?
Typical Signs & Symptoms
Again, field symptoms are not generally evident in the orchard, with oil content and kernel recovery measured at the processing stage.
Comments
Oil content and kernel recovery is closely related. Many factors are associated with carbohydrate production and thus to oil content. Adequate light, temperature, water and canopy management is as important as proper nutrition. A good cation balance in the soil is necessary, along with adequate levels of potassium, and careful nitrogen management. Potassium needs to be applied between November and April and the crop load needs to be taken into account in determining application rates. The fertilizer choices include soluble and liquid forms of potassium, making delivery to the root zone easy and effective. Foliar potassium sprays will be of value to supplement potassium nutrition but soil application of potassium should be the main method of provision.
Treatment, Timing & Application
To enhance oil production magnesium needs to be readily available, for both the photosynthetic process and energy transfer reactions within the plant cells. Typically magnesium is ground applied but with newer technologies, Patons can now offer magnesium as a liquid fertilizer. Potassium will be applied in the dry granular form as part of the Paton Macadamia Blends 212 and 418 in the post-harvest period. However in the November to April period when potassium has a significant impact on nut quality, it is recommended that granular sulphate of potash supplemented with a foliar fertilizer (Paton Macadamia Liquid M2) be used.
Magnesium will also be applied in the dry granular form, as part of the Paton Macadamia Blends 212 and 418. To support the photosynthetic process through leaf growth, especially in early Spring, Patons Promesium is ground applied, supported by Liquid 19 + Mg, which is a foliar form of magnesium, with the added benefit of supplying nitrogen in the peak demand period.
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