The Tropical Fruit Forum

Quote from: Charlie23 on March 16, 2019, 09:01:55 AM

What'd be a likely cause for a potted mango tree to bloom normally but not one turned to fruit?? 
I dont noticed any sign of disease or noticeable issue on the tree, leaves are fine with plenty of blooming but not one flower become fruit.

Usually due to high male/female flower ratio. Some varieties are also partially self incompatible (e.g. Julie)

Alex, have you experienced this with Ice Cream?  For me last year it set gobs and this year full bloom but no fruit set.  It did look like fungus hit it but bb’s never even developed so maybe male/female flower ratio?  Can the ratio of male/female flowers for a particular variety change each year?

You could go much heavier on the mulch so long as the mulch isn't right up against the trunk.  It will break down quickly (especially with moisture).  Periodically checking your tree's moisture level can be important when stacking up the mulch (depending on soil type).

Passion fruit, banana, sugar cane

Trust me She is making it. 

The story goes after the severe flooding post IRMA a disease started to eat away at the trunk causing it to lean over.  I attempted to stake the tree upright when the already weakened trunk snapped above the graft line.  I left it alone for months thinking it would just get baked in the sun and die.  There was a time when I contemplated just removing it but then curiosity got the best of me   Eventually it stopped declining and began to flush new growth upward.  It is now flowering like most of the other trees on the farm.  Rob advised me awhile ago about Mangos ability to compartmentalize damage and this is a perfect example.

I’m sure you see all of the trees around us falling victim to laurel wilt.  Although a local avocado farm would likely do really well, I would not sink a bunch of money (solely) into avocados because of this factor alone.  You should ask Carlos.

Hi Bruce.  Osmocote is slow release and works very well in our soil.  You can likely get away with 2 applications per year instead of 4.  It is the best stuff I’ve used hands down and worth every penny.

Quote from: Mark in Texas on December 25, 2018, 05:19:26 PM

Quote from: Coach62 on December 25, 2018, 01:53:35 PM

Thanks Mark, I have about 6 trees here that need I need to transplant. 

Where do you suggest I buy these?

Bruce

Harrell's is a Florida op.  You can get that Osmocote on Amazon.  8# for $16 would be a fair price.

Would love to use the Osmocote, but I have over 100 trees and Florida sand does NOT hold any nutrients to speak of.  I have to fertilize about 4X a year typically.

The cost would just b prohibitive.

There is free soil at the landfill and you can load as much as you want.  As for mulch, free from tree trimmers would be optimal.

Yep. And, it doesn't need to receive OMRI approval to be permitted for organic production. There is a list maintained by USDA that defines what is allowed and what is not.

The main difference between organic and synthetic is how a supplement is sourced, and oftentimes the exact same product is available with and without organic certification (the former at a higher cost of course).

Quote from: spaugh on October 31, 2018, 09:42:00 AM

Quote from: FruitFreak on October 31, 2018, 08:12:43 AM

Not to hi-jack, but does anybody know an OMRI approved Potassium?  Thanks.

0-0-22 is organic.  Its called "langbeinite"
0-0-50 is also organic and naturally occuring sulfate of potash. 

You can get either of these for dirt cheap.  May cost extra for them to go through the certification process but there are ones that are omri listed.  Try googling them.

You are correct Jeff.  It just has to be NOP approved which is what I need.  Its a damn shame there is not an NOP K + micros granular (at least not that I know of).

Not to hi-jack, but does anybody know an OMRI approved Potassium?  Thanks.

Some of the new growth is coming in yellow-ish and a bit wrinkled, looks different than iron deficiency the teee came out of with applications of sulfur. Is it nitrogen?

https://i.imgur.com/D4PLUZz_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

https://i.imgur.com/QSEvHUY_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

https://i.imgur.com/oxohfBe_d.jpg?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

I don't see any obvious signs of deficiency.  The pale green color is common with most new growth. 

I agree with the thinning, it’s more work than I wanted to do, but it needs to be done. I also need to move the dwarfs further away from the tall plants.

BTW, one of my cocoa trees has about half dozen cocoa pods on it and it’s still blooming

I purchased a post hole tamp/digging bar from Harbor Frieght in Bonita for $27 and it makes quick work of any size banana tree without damaging the main corm.  The tool is a godsend and makes maintenance MUCH easier.  https://www.harborfreight.com/17-lb-digging-bar-with-tamper-93612.html

Great to hear about the cocoa!

2” PVC all the way!!  If you don’t want to pay for fittings you can drill holes and tie to each other with large zip ties.  Long lasting and very sturdy.

Quote from: FruitFreak on September 11, 2018, 10:37:35 AM

Quote from: zands on September 10, 2018, 06:54:08 PM

Why mess around with peaches which my opinion are alien to south Florida and very hit or miss.

I never tried to grow peaches but my guess is you will have to spray w anti-fungals due to their thin skin

IMO peaches are definitely worth growing in FL.  I have grown several varieties which have quickly produced some incredibly delicious fruit.  If possible, Phillip Rucks is the place to get the best low-chill varieties with high quality rootstock designed for FL soils.  I've only had hole shot (bacterial) on one of my trees, never dealt with fungus.  They seem to grow very well and require little maintenance other than pruning.

Actually, I'll be close to Excalibur this weekend so I'll shoot on over.  I assume I need to get declared agricultural before I can buy wholesale??  I'd really like to get a few more peach trees.

I'm holding onto that cacao tree for you, we need to get together soon if you still want it.  I also have a hog plum start I can give you.

All you would need to purchase wholesale is a Re-sale certificate or in many cases just proof of a business/entity.  Getting declared agricultural is something else that will benefit your property tax.