Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the sixth most important fruit crop worldwide, is likely at risk under a climate change scenario of accelerated soil organic matter mineralization and constrained plant nutrient supplies such as zinc (Zn) and boron (B). We identified the optimum nutrient formulation and application method to possibly rectify nutrient deficits in mango plants grown in one of the warmest and driest regions—Multan, Pakistan. We evaluated the yield and physiological (quality) responses of 20-year-old mango trees to seven treatments of foliar and soil applications of Zn and B. Combined soil application of B and Zn resulted in optimum increases in leaf mineral B and Zn and fruit-set, retention, yield, pulp recovery and total soluble solids at ripening (p = 0.021), while reducing titratable acidity and early fruit shedding (p = 0.034). Additionally, this treatment improved fruit quality (taste, flavour, texture, aroma, acceptability; p ≤ 0.05). Yield was found to be correlated with retention percentage (P ≤ 0.001; R2 = 0.91), which was in turn related to fruit-set number panicle−1 (P = 0.039; R2 = 0.61). Therefore, we suggest that combined soil application of B and Zn mitigates leaf mineral deficiencies and improves the yield and quality of mango more efficiently than other individual or combined foliar or soil treatments used in this study.

Poor uptake of nutrients not only deteriorates the quality but also the yield of horticultural crops. Among various macro and micronutrients, the role of K, Ca and B is very important. Therefore, balanced application and uptake of K and Ca and B can improve the quality and yield of mango trees. So, a field study was conducted with the hypothesis that combined application of K and Ca along with B would be effective to improve yield and quality of Mango cv. Summer Bahisht (SB) Chaunsa. There were two sources of Ca(CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2) and three sources of K(KNO3, K2SO4 and K-Citrate) combined with boric acid (BA). All Ca and K sources were applied at the rate of 1% while BA was applied at 0.2%. As compared to control, a significant improvement in fruit set panicle-1 (35.7% and 50.0%), fruit retention (125% and 40%), shelf life (73.3% and 36.6%), total soluble solids (35.1% and 40.6%) and fruit yield (52.5% and 49.2%) in 2016 and 2017 respectively, confirmed the effectiveness of KNO3 (1.0%) + BA (0.2%). Between CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2, application of Ca (NO3)2 was found more efficacious regarding improvement of quality and yield of SB Chaunsa. It is concluded that to improve the quality and yield of Mango cv. SB Chaunsa, KNO3 (1.0%) + BA (0.2%) is the best nutrients combination, and Ca(NO3)2 is a better option as compared to CaCl2.

Organic residues are an important factor that directly affects fruiting tree seedlings' health at earlier stages. It provides a suitable environment for seedling growth by providing better nutrient ions, water, and aeration. However, low organic contents and high shrinkage of most organic materials mostly deteriorate ideal potting media characteristics. Low aeration, high water, and nutrients leaching decrease seedling growth and cause a significant loss of valuable resources. That is why the current study was conducted to screen out the best indigenous materials based on particle size to produce good characteristics bearing potting media. For that, eight different ingredients, i.e., “sugarcane”, “coconut coir”, “wheat straw”, “rice straw”, “corn cob”, “leaf litter”, “farmyard manure”, and “sunflower heads” were collected. Initially, all the materials were air-dried and processes as per requirement. After grinding, three particles size (fine = < 2 mm, medium = 3 mm and coarse = 5 mm) were separated by sieving. Results showed that decreasing particle size in “rice straw”, “corn cob”, “farmyard manure,” and “sunflower head” decreased leachate pH. Higher EC in leachates was negatively correlated with particle size in all potting media ingredients. Except for farmyard manure, fine particle size increases the water-holding ability of potting media ingredients. However, air-filled porosity was associated with a decrease in particle size of potting media in gradients. In conclusion, farmyard manure, “sunflower heads”, “leaf litter” and “sugarcane” should be incorporated while making a combination for potting media. More investigations are suggested by mixing different particle size ingredients to prepare potting media.

Mango is a valuable income crop that significantly contributes to the food security. However, there was a severe shortage of information on the growth, production and developmental behaviour of different rootstock of mango in different growing media combinations. Accordingly, a study was conducted in 2019–20 at the Mango Research Institute in Multan, Pakistan, used a net house to test the efficacy of several pot media for nursery with different compositions on the seedling growth and development of plants. Mango seeds were planted in potting soil, top soil, sawdust, Farmyard manure, and FYM/sawdust (PM5) (PM4). Three independent trials were conducted using a randomised complete block design. Parameters of germination and development were measured and studied mathematically. The results showed that all of the germination and growth characteristics, except for shoot number, had a substantial influence on the outcome of the experiment. However, germination rate, stem diameter, shoot number, root number, and days to germination were not impacted by the potting medium. Except forstem diameter, shoot number, and internode length, the interaction effect of growth medium had a substantial impact on all other metrics. Mango producers would benefit from using most recommended pot media with the combination of farmyard manure: soil: sand with the ratio of 3:2:1 to increase production.