Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Nutrient use efficiency in perennial fruit crops: Our preparedness to address production constraints

5^th Euro-Global Summit and Expo on Food & Beverages

June 16-18, 2015 Alicante, Spain

A K Srivastava

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Production system of perennial fruit crops is inherently complex to understand due to large variation in nutrient use efficiency (NUE). Current state of diagnosis of nutrient constraints in current season standing crop has minimum efficacy. Therefore, development of production- linked nutrient norms using crop specific index plant parts need a thorough revisit at orchard level using conventional basin irrigation against fertigation. Application of hyper spectral analysis as proximal sensing of nutrient stress has started imparting precision to nutrient constraint diagnosis. On the other hand, the biggest constraint in making soil test ratings more purposeful is the non-redressal of spatial variation in soil fertility in form of soil fertility analogues vis-a-vis fruit crops. Conjoint use of geoinformatics and nutrient experts as decision support tool(s) accommodating site specific nutrient management strategy, newer concept of fertigation as open field hydroponics and variable rate application as possible improvements in NUE, exploiting further the nutrient?hormone and nutrient-microbe (in consortium mode) synergies have yielded definite edge over conventional methods of nutrient management options. Well known microbial including- mycorrhizal dependency of fruit crops still remains an unexploited issue. Such approaches have given birth to a concept like rhizosphere hybridization and nutrient dynamics. The concept of nutriomics highlighting nutritional physiology coupled with functional genomics, as a part of nutriomics will unravel the complexities associated with low NUE in an era of soils sick of multiple nutrient deficiencies. Elevating NUE and consequently, producing nutrient dense fruit crops will, hence, offer complimentary option towards a promising source of nutritional security.