Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and development. It plays a key role in many physiological and biochemical processes.

The Impact of Potassium on Durian Fruit Quality

For durian fruit, potassium is especially important in enhancing fruit quality in several ways:

1. Improving fruit size and weight:
   Potassium supports cell division and expansion, helping fruits grow larger and heavier.
2. Enhancing flavour and aroma:
   Potassium helps increase the production of compounds related to taste and aroma, improving the sweetness and fragrance of the fruit.
3. Improving flesh texture and moisture balance:
   Potassium helps maintain proper water balance in fruit cells, making the flesh smoother and creamier.
4. Extending post-harvest quality:
   Potassium helps reduce water loss after harvest, delays fruit softening and ageing, and extends shelf life.

Risks of Excessive Potassium Use

Although potassium is very important for increasing fruit yield and quality, excessive application may bring negative effects:

1. Nutrient imbalance:
   Too much potassium can interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.
2. Lower fruit quality:
   Excessive fertilisation may affect the sugar and acidity balance in the fruit, reducing flavour quality.
3. Soil health decline:
   Overuse may increase soil salinity, affect soil structure, reduce root development, and lower nutrient absorption efficiency.
4. Phytotoxicity:
   Excessive potassium fertiliser may cause symptoms such as leaf edge burn and growth suppression.

Farmers’ Feedback

According to feedback from Mr. Liang from Gua Musang, after using AK-47 together with Gioemar XL, fruit size improved. The application rate was 0.5g of AK-47 mixed with 1 litre of water, together with 1ml of Gioemar XL. Before flowering, the synergistic effect between potassium and seaweed helped overcome growth stagnation caused by nitrogen deficiency, as well as delayed flowering.