ISHS Acta Horticulturae 820: VIII International Mango Symposium
EXTRACTING POTASSIUM FROM MANGO LEAVES |
| Authors: | I.J. González-Acuña, A. Llanos-Perales, B. Hurtado-García, F.P. Lang-Ovalle |
| Keywords: | potassium, extraction methods, leaves, mango |
| Abstract:
Potassium is an essential nutrient in mango production. Tissue analysis is a useful tool for fertilization programs, and results affect orchard management and production costs. We evaluated four plant potassium extraction methods in ‘Ataulfo’ mango leaf samples: 1) distilled water, 2) 65-70% nitric acid (HNO3) and 69-72% perchloric acid (HclO4) wet digestion, 3) 1.0 N ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4) pH 7.0, and 4) 0.5 M barium chloride (BaCl2.2H2O). Protocols (1) and (2) are the most commonly used methods. Analytical quantification was achieved using atomic absorption spectrometry. Potassium content was expressed as a percentage. One hundred replications were used to evaluate each method. Statistical treatment included random variance analysis, mean comparison with Tukey (P= 0.01), cluster analysis to determine canonical association between methods, and a technical aptitude test (Z–score). Each extraction method revealed a different capacity to dissolve mango leaf potassium: wet digestion extracted 0.9045%; distilled water 0.9707%; ammonium acetate 1.0 N, 1.0273%; and barium chloride 0.5 M, 1.2267%. The high activity of the 0.5 M barium chloride method allows for the exchange of potassium fixed in plant tissues, thus elevating levels of extraction. The Z–score revealed a significant Euclidian distance which separated it from traditional methods that often yield underestimates. Standardized field methods are currently under development. | |
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