CaCl2 Solution Sprayed on Leaves Changes the Nutrition and Qualitative Properties of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Hicaznar)

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to define the influence of different doses of calcium chloride (CaCl2) applications on fruit yield, some quality properties, and nutrition of plant in Hicaznar pomegranate cultivar during 2016 and 2017 in Aydın (Turkey) ecological condition. In the study, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0% solutions of calcium chloride (CaCl2) were applied by spraying except the control dose to the trees. The solution doses were twice applied during the fruit growing season in June and August. According to the results, fruit yield, peel thickness, fruit length, diameter, and weights were increased compared to control dose with CaCl2 applications. Foliar CaCl2 applications increased foliar Ca content by 60%. Concentrations of other plant nutrients other than N and Ca were decreased in parallel with increasing CaCl2 doses. Foliar P content was not affected in this case. As a result, the amount of CaCl2 solution to be applied to leaves in Hicaznar pomegranate was determined as 0.6%.