Effect of Foliar Fertilization of Boron, Zinc and Iron on Fruit Quality and Leaf Nutrients Content of Peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab

Abstract

Aims: To study the effect of different micronutrients and number of foliar spray on fruit quality and leaf nutrient content of peach.
 Study Design: The experiment comprised of seven treatments and conducted on seven years old plants in Randomized Block Design with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the experimental orchard of Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2018.
 Methodology: The treatments included in the study consisted of three micro-nutrients [T1- ZnSO4 @ 0.2%, T2- ZnSO4 @ 0.3%, T3- FeSO4 @ 0.2%, T4- FeSO4 @ 0.3%, T5- Boric acid @ 0.1%, T6- Boric acid @ 0.2%, T7- Control (water spray)] each applied as foliar spray at different concentration as single and double spray.
 Results: The results showed that foliar spray of micronutrients significantly improved quality and leaf nutrient status in peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab. The foliar spray of FeSO4 @ 0.2% (T3) found to be the best treatment with respect to TSS (11.06%), ascorbic acid (8.18 mg/100 g pulp) and leaf iron content (345.51 ppm). The highest TSS: ratio (23.88), leaf zinc content (35.42 ppm) and lowest acidic fruits (0.45%) was observed from the plants sprayed with T1 (ZnSO4 @ 0.2%), whereas, highest leaf boron content (91.02 ppm) was recorded with T6 (Boric acid @ 0.2%). Double foliar spray of micronutrients (Fe, Zn and B) at first week of March + April significantly TSS, TSS: acidity, ascorbic acid, leaf zinc, iron, and boron content and reduced acidity fruits then single foliar spray in first week of March.
 Conclusion: The foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% (T1) proved to be best treatment in terms of quality. A double spray of micronutrients (Fe, Zn and B) significantly increased total soluble solids, TSS: acidity, ascorbic acid, leaf (zinc, iron, and boron) content and reduced fruit acidity as compared to single spray.

Effect of micronutrients foliar supplementation on the production and eminence of plum (Prunus domestica L.)

“…Foliar application of micronutrients could be a better alternative to soil application, since the application of these nutrients to soil may be beyond reach to the deep root system of orchards trees (Ziogas et al 2020, Bibi et al 2019, Ahmad et al 2018and Hipps and Davies, 2001. Additionally, the foliar application is more valuable because of quick reaction, recovery of nutrient deficiency (Muradi andGodara, 2020 andSamant et al 2008) and its effectiveness because of boron, manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), Fe and zinc (Zn). However, some indigenous studies have suggested the recommended dose and time of foliar application of micronutrients.…”