Among micronutrients, Zn and Mn limit the production of citrus in Brazil. Foliar application has been the traditional form of supply, however the efficiency of this type of fertilization depends on a number of factors, including the type of fertilizer used. Two experiments were conducted in an orchard of seven year old Pêra orange, grafted onto Rangpur lime, in Botucatu, São Paulo. In the first experiment three sources of Mn, applied via foliar application, were evaluated: manganese carbonate A, manganese carbonate B and manganese sulphate, at two rates per fertilizer, corresponding to 250 and and 500g ha-1 of Mn, plus a control sprayed with water only. In the second experiment three sources of Zn were tested for foliar application: zinc oxide A, zinc oxide B and zinc sulphate at two rates per fertilizer, corresponding to 375 and 750g ha-1 of Zn, plus the control. Samples of leaves were collected monthly, beginning 30 days after application of the treatments. The foliar application of manganese carbonate B at a rate of 500g ha-1 Mn, and zinc oxide B at a rate of 750g ha-1, each provided adequate nutritional levels of Mn and Zn in the leaves of the orange. With the absence of rain, the appropriate levels of Mn and Zn in the soil are not enough to supply the Pêra orange grafted onto Rangpur lime.
Citrus sinensis L.; Foliar fertilization; Micronutrients; Orange
