Growth, yield, quality and leaf nutrient status as influenced by planting densities and varieties of apricot

Abstract

The two planting densities (3.5 m × 3.5 m and 5 m × 5 m) as main plot and four apricot varieties (CITHApricot- 1, CITH-Apricot-2, Harcot and Erani) as sub-plot treatment were laid out in split plot design with three replication. Experimental results clearly indicated that maximum trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) of tree (118.38 cm2), fruit number (2,044), fruit weight (56.43 g), fruit size (4.87 cm × 5.06 cm) and yield (118.68 kg/ tree), stone weight (3.50 g), stone size (2.59 cm × 2.24 cm), kernel weight (1.13 g) and size (1.66 cm × 1.39 cm), TSS (15.90°Brix) and leaf N,P,K content (1.17, 0.149, 1.69%) were recorded at wider spacing 5 m × 5 m. Whereas, fruit yield per hectare (52.05 t/ha) and acidity (0.71%) was maximum in closer plant spacing (3.5 m × 3.5 m) in main plot treatment. Among variety, maximum trunk cross-sectional area, fruit weight, size, fruit yield, TSS and leaf NPK contents were recorded in CITH-Apricot-1. However, fruit number, stone weight, size, kernel weight, size and acidity were recorded in CITH-Apricot-2. TSS/acid ratio was highest in Harcot.