Studies on differences in leaf nutrient composition of some litchi cultivars

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to find out the varietal differences in leaf nutrient composition of litchi. Leaves were sampled from 16 years old healthy trees of 14 cultivars of Litchi in the month of March (September flush) from third pair of leaflets, on non-fruit bearing branches at mid-height from all directions. Different cultivars of litchi significantly influenced the leaf content of N (1.42-1.86%), P (0.07- 0.13%), K (0.56-0.83), S (0.24-0.33%), Ca (0.75-1.00%), Mg (0.46-0.55), Fe (92.57-197.60 ppm), Mn (125.77- 155.13 ppm), Zn (20.38-29.75 ppm), Cu (22.13-31.50 ppm), B (18.72-30.50 ppm). In the present study for the 14 cultivars, leaf N content was recorded highest in cv. Kasba (1.86%) while the lowest was recorded in cv. Longia (1.42%). Leaf P content was highest in cv. Shahi (0.13%) and Rosescented (0.13%) and lowest in cv. Kasba (0.07%) and Bedana (0.07%). Leaf K content was highest in cv. Dehrarose (0.83%) and lowest in Kasba (0.56%). Leaf S and Ca content was recoded highest in cv. Bedana (0.33% and 1.00%) while lowest in cv Shahi (0.27%) and cv. Deshi (0.75%) respectively. Cv. Kasba (0.63%) recorded highest leaf Mg content while the lowest was recorded for cv. Late Bedana (0.46%) and Longia (0.46%). Among micronutrients highest leaf Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B was recorded for cultivars Kasba (197.60 ppm), Longia (155.13 ppm), Dehradun (29.75 ppm), Green (31.50 ppm) and Kasba (30.50 ppm) respectively while the lowest was recorded in cvs. Late Bedana (92.57 ppm), Purabi (125.77 ppm), Deshi (20.38 ppm), Purabi (22.13 ppm) and Ajhauli (18.72 ppm) respectively.