Mineral nutrition is related to the growth and reproduction physiology of Annonaceae. Each species of Annona genus has a genetic load that presents specific nutritional requirements for their metabolic functions. The absorption march of nutrients is fundamental for determining the appropriate development stage and doses of applying fertilizers and getting the maximum productive yield. There are few scientific studies about nutrition and fertilization in this family, in spite of requiring large amount of nutrients. This study has the purpose of presenting major mineral requirements in Annona genus, with emphasis on custard apple (A. squamosa) and soursop (A. muricata), related to vegetative and reproductive growth and fruit quality (sugar content, acidity, firmness and crack fruit, etc.). The mineral absorption march in soursop during growth of seedlings is in decreasing order: K>N>Ca>Mg>P and Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu. Significant amount of N, K, Ca, Mg and P are extracted by Annonaceae as compared to other fruits. The export of nutrients by sugar apple is superior to those exported by oranges, pineapple, avocado and many other fruits. In respect of the micronutrient is known that B and Zn are very important in tropical soil with pH below 6.5. Nevertheless, in soil with pH superior to 7.0 Fe and other micronutrients may be restrictive to Annona growth and reproduction. The increasing importance of fresh and processing markets requires scientific investigations in absorption march and nutrition for the various species of Annonaceae.
Annonaceae; fertilization; nutrients; Annona squamosa; Annona muricata
