Growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin as affected through foliar application of zinc and boron

Abstract

The investigation was undertaken with a view to determine the growth, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin as affected through foliar application of zinc and boron. The results revealed that combined application of 0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc sulphate at fruit set and peach size stage of fruit through foliar spray exerted significant influence on plant height, tree spread and shoot length. The maximum fruit retention (71.77 %), number of fruits plant-1(486.24), fruit weight (163.23 g), fruit volume (194.79 cc), fruit diameter (7.16 cm), yield plant-1 (79.32 kg) and yield ha-1 (31.73 t) were recorded in treatment T9 (0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc). The same treatment had markedly influenced the quality of Kinnow fruit and the maximum TSS (12.18 oBrix), TSS/acid ratio (16.66), reducing sugars (3.87%), total sugar (7.22%), ascorbic acid (25.16mg/100 g) and juice content (41.43%) were recoreded in this traetement (T9). The lowest acidity (0.73 %) and rind thickness (2.79 mm) were also recorded in treatment T9 (0.2 per cent boric acid + 0.5 per cent zinc). This treatment also increased the zinc (100.08 ppm) and boron (80.81 ppm) level of kinnow mandarin leaves.