Effect of foliar sprays of potassium on fruit size and quality of ‘Patharnakh’ pear
2012
Gill, P.P.S. | Ganaie, M.Y. | Dhillon, W.S. | Singh, Nav Prem
The investigation was conducted to improve size and quality of Patharnakh pear fruits through foliar sprays of potassium fertilizers at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The sixteen-year-old plants were sprayed with KNO₃ and K₂SO₄ @ 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% in three sets, i.e., one, two and three sprays. First spray was given at 15 days after full bloom (DAFB), second at 30 DAFB and third was applied at 45 DAFB. Results showed that foliar potassium application significantly improved the fruit size as compared to control. Similarly, the number of K sprays had a positive effect on final fruit size. Maximum fruit size was recorded with three sprays of KNO₃ at 1.5 per cent. Fruit colour as measured by ‘l’, ‘a’ & ‘b’ values, improved with various K treatments, however, K₂SO₄ treatments were found more effective than KNO₃ treatments. Fruit firmness increased with both higher dose of K as well as number of sprays given and the trees sprayed with K₂SO₄ thrice produced fruits with highest firmness. Soluble solids were increased with various potassium K treatments and number of applications and highest value was recorded with K₂SO₄ at 2.0%. Same treatment significantly improved total sugars of fruits also. A non-significant decrease in acid content of juice was observed with increase in number of sprays of K fertilizers.
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