"Foliar Versus Soil Biofortification of Zn in Citrus (Citrus Reticulata Blanco) Effect on Mineral Nutrition and Fruit Yield and Quality"

Abstract

Optimizing between yield and quality with judicious use of macro and micro nutrients is the goal of the present era farming. In this study major emphasis has been given to incorporation of mineral nutrition elements like N, P, K and Zn in the citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) varieties Wenzhou and Nanfeng respectively. Field condition prior to start of the experiment showed 22.35 mg/Kg of Zn in soil and nutrient concentration in the top leaves of these two varieties before the initiation of the treatment were Wenzhou (N-1.72, P-0.17, K-0.30) and Nanfeng (N-2.11, P-0.16, K-0.37). Both the data aforementioned are presented in the percentages. In the variety Wenzhou an yield of 15 to 30 t/ha was recorded whereas in the variety Nanfeng 5 to 10 t/ha yield was recorded. Measurement of cholorophyll A, B, Caretenoids, SPAD values, N, P, K , Zn did not show the significant effect. Similarly, vitamin C, total soluble solids, titrable acidity are not also significant. These results revealed that the effect of plant to added ZnSO 4 has response only if the Zn concentration in the soil is below critical limit. The critical limit of the Zn concenteation is above 20 mg/Kg which just marginally available. Moreover in this condition the two approaches of the biofortification i.e. foliar and soil biofortification can be adopted widely either in combined or solely. So an increased in the yield and fruit quality parameters addressed can be expected. et al. [1]). However there are few circumstances that foliar