Effect of Nitrogen Sources on Yield, Fruit Quality and Nutritional Status of Apple (Malus×Domestica Borkh.)

Abstract

A trial was conducted in a private orchard at Matiyana (Shimla), India (during December, 2014 to December, 2015) to find out the alternate to calcium ammonium nitrate for nitrogen application to apple trees. Different nitrogen containing fertilizers (sources of nitrogen) alone or in combination were used as treatments and applied in split doses to the experimental trees. Different nitrogen sources significantly influenced fruiting, yield, fruit quality and leaf nutrient contents of apple. Trees subjected to calcium nitrate+urea treatment exhibited significantly higher fruit set (23.96%), yield (5.20 kg tree-1) as well as yield efficiency (0.183 kg cm-2 trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) and lower fruit drop (13.06%). The treatment (calcium nitrate+urea) significantly improved fruit weight (179.67 g), total soluble solids content (13.10 °B), total sugars (9.99%) and reducing sugars content (7.15%). Similarly, significantly higher leaf N (2.86%), K (1.93%) and Mg (0.44%) contents were recorded in trees subjected to calcium nitrate+urea treatment, whereas, leaf P (0.28%) and Ca (1.58%) were observed highest in trees treated with combination of di-ammonium phosphate and calcium nitrate and calcium nitrate, respectively. With respect to various observations recorded, calcium nitrate+urea treatment was either superior or statistically at par with calcium ammonium nitrate (control), thus calcium nitrate+urea was proved to be most suitable alternate to calcium ammonium nitrate for supplying nitrogen to the apple trees.

Effects of Water and Fertilizer Coupling on Growth, Fruit Quality, and Yield of the Korla Fragrant Pear

“…Nitrogen deficiency can affect the synthesis of organic matter in fruit trees, resulting in leaf greening and short branches [7]. As a result, fruit trees such as pears [8], apples [9], and jujube [10] have fewer and smaller fruits, resulting in lower yields. Lack of phosphorus can result in late germination and flowering of plants, resulting in low germination rates and reduced fruit quality [11].…”

Quantitative Analysis of Relationships Between Panicle Size and Fruit Traits in Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

“…Nutrients and plant growth regulators also affected fruit set, yield and quality of fruits (Singh et al, 2016;Lal et al, 2013). Fruit set vary with cultivars grown in the same condition and nutritional condition of plants as highest fruit set (23.96%) and lowest fruit drop (13.06%) was recorded in trees fertilized with calcium nitrate+urea (Jeet et al, 2016). Indian litchi can be categorized mainly into three distinct groups: Shahi, China and Bedana groups.…”

Effect of Pollen Grain Sources on Success of hybrids in ‘Bedana’ Litchi

“…'Bedana', a chicken tongue seed, high pulp content and free from sun burn and cracking is mainly preferred by consumers and industrialists but fruit drop is one of the major detrimental factors which lower the production (Lal et al, 2017). Fruit set vary with cultivars grown in the same condition and nutritional condition of plants as highest fruit set (23.96%) and lowest fruit drop (13.06%) was recorded in trees fertilized with calcium nitrate+urea (Jeet et al, 2016). Singh et al (2016) also recorded maximum initial fruit setting, fruit retention, minimum fruit drop, and maximum length and breath and weight of fruit in Banarasi Karaka ber when applied FeSO 4 and borax (1.0%).…”