FERTILIZING SUGAR APPLE FOR FRUIT DEVELOPMENT DURING THE RAINY SEASON

Fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development helps provide suitable nutrition, support fruit growth, and maintain plant vigor in the rainy season.

Fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development should match each growth stage

The rainy season provides abundant water but may also cause nutrient leaching, waterlogged roots, and reduced fruit quality. Therefore, fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development should be combined with proper water management, pest and disease control, and nutrient supplementation at each fruit growth stage.

During fruit development, the crop needs Potassium (K) to support nutrient transport and accumulation in the fruit. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S), Zinc (Zn), and Boron (B) also contribute to plant vigor and fruit development.

Young fruit stage: approximately the first 30 days after fruit set

At the early fruit stage, fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development should be based on plant vigor, shoot growth, and fruit load.

Growers may consider one of the following NPK formulas:

• NPK CON CÒ 15-15-15+9S+0.05B: Suitable for orchards with a moderate fruit load, stable foliage, and mature shoots.
• NPK CON CÒ 7-7-14+12S+7Ca: Suitable for orchards with strong shoot growth that need more Potassium (K) for fruit development.
• NPK CON CÒ 12-11-18+1.4Ca+5S+0.1Zn+0.1B: Suitable for orchards with moderate to heavy fruit loads that require additional fruit nutrition.

These formulas help maintain plant vigor, support healthy foliage, and provide fruit nutrition during early fruit development.

Fruit enlargement stage: approximately 30–60 days after fruit set

As the fruit increases rapidly in size, healthy foliage remains important for photosynthesis and continued fruit nutrition.

At this stage, growers may consider NPK CON CÒ 15-15-15+9S+0.05B for orchards with good plant vigor, stable green foliage, moderate fruit load, and limited shoot growth.

Its balanced NPK formula helps maintain plant vigor, support photosynthesis, and provide nutrients for fruit enlargement. This is an important part of fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development.

Fruit development and quality improvement stage: approximately 60–90 days after fruit set

From around 60–90 days after fruit set, demand for Potassium (K) increases as the fruit continues to enlarge and accumulate nutrients.

Growers may consider:

• NPK CON CÒ 7-7-14+12S+7Ca: Suitable for orchards that still show active shoot growth and need additional Potassium (K) and Calcium (Ca).
• NPK CON CÒ 12-11-18+1.4Ca+5S+0.1Zn+0.1B: Suitable for orchards with heavy fruit loads, healthy foliage, and a greater need for fruit nutrition.

Reference application rate: approximately 0.2–0.3 kg/tree/application, depending on soil conditions and actual cultivation practices.

Selecting the appropriate fertilizer according to plant vigor and fruit load helps make fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development more suitable for each orchard.

Potassium sulfate (SOP) supports fruit development

All NPK CON CÒ formulas mentioned above use Potassium sulfate (SOP) as their Potassium (K) source. Potassium sulfate (SOP) contains no Chloride (Cl) and also provides Sulfur (S).

During fruit development, Potassium sulfate (SOP) contributes to:

• Supporting the transport of sugars, starch, and nutrients into the fruit.
• Providing Sulfur (S) for plant metabolism.
• Supporting stable fruit development and firmness.
• Offering a lower salt index than Potassium Chloride (KCl), making it suitable for topdressing when used at appropriate rates.

For this reason, Potassium sulfate (SOP) can be considered during fruit development and quality improvement before harvest.

Combining foliar fertilizers for sugar apple

Alongside soil fertilization, fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development can also include foliar fertilizers for sugar apple to provide additional nutrients.

Growers may consider:

• COFOLI CALIMAG: Provides Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg), helping maintain healthy foliage and support fruit development.
• COFOLI K300: Provides liquid Potassium (K), supporting nutrient transport and accumulation in the fruit.

Combining foliar fertilizers for sugar apple with suitable soil fertilization gives growers greater flexibility in managing fruit nutrition, especially during the rainy season.

Conclusion

Fertilizing sugar apple for fruit development should be adjusted according to each growth stage, plant vigor, and actual fruit load. Selecting suitable NPK formulas, combining Potassium sulfate (SOP) with foliar nutrition, can help support fruit development and maintain plant vigor during the rainy season.