Effect of Shading and Foliar Spraying with Nutrient Solution on Vegetative Growth and Yield Traits of Sweet Orange Trees cv. Local.

Abstract

This study was conducted in one of the private orchards at the village of Al-Budhiyab, Ramadi district, Anbar governorate, in the spring season 2023, on sweet orange young trees cv. local with age 8 years. The study investigated the effect of shading with Saran and foliar application with nutrient solution under the commercial name (Brexil Duo) on the growth and yield traits. The experiment included two factors, the first three levels of shading [0% (without shading), 50%, and 75%] and the second three levels of nutrient solution (0, 3 and 6 g.L-1). The results showed that shading level of 50% resulted in a significant increase in most characteristics that studied viz. (leaf area, leaf dry matter, chlorophyll a and b, fruit set, fruit size, and fruit weight), compared to the shading treatments of 0% (without shading) and 75%. On the other hand, foliar application with nutrient solution (3 g.L-1) resulted in a significant increase in leaf dry matter content and chlorophyll b. while application of the nutrient solution Brexil Duo at concentration (6 g.L-1) resulted in a significant increase in leaf chlorophyll a and fruit set. Furthermore, there was no significant increase in leaf area, fruit size and fruit weight was observed at this concentration.