Sustainable Apple Production with Improved Quality through Integrated Nutrient Management in High Altitude
Sustainable Apple Production with Improved Quality through Integrated Nutrient Management in High Altitude
Iftikhar Ahmad* and Muhammad Sajid
ABSTRACT
The technology for producing fruits enriched with essential nutrients beneficial to human health. Due to the widespread popularity of apple cultivation in Pakistan, extensive research has been conducted. This experiment aimed to investigate the foliar application of boron (B), calcium (Ca), and silicon (Si) on the yield and quality of apple cultivars. Apple cultivars Royal Gala, Mondial Gala and Treco Gala were studied and treated with various levels of B, Ca and Si i.e. Control (water spray), T1= 0.75B + 4.50Ca+ 6.00Si (g L-1), T2 = 1.50B + 9.0Ca + 12.0Si (g L-1), T3 = 2.25B + 13.50Ca + 18.0Si (g L-1), T4 = 3.0B + 18.0Ca + 24.0Si (g L-1). All the treatment combinations were replicated three times during both years and the foliar application of B, Ca and Si of different combinations were applied to the apple cultivars at three different growth stages i.e. Pink bud stage, at 50% petal fall and ten days after fruit set. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of boron, calcium and silicon significantly increased yield (122.17 kg) while less infested scab fruits (1.81 %) and cracked fruits (0.55 %) were obtained. The maximum total soluble solids (15.01), fruit boron (130.59 mg kg-1), fruit calcium (10.00 mg kg-1) and silicon in fruits (0.32%) were recorded. The combined foliar application of boron, calcium, and silicon @ 2.25 B + 13.50 + 18.00 Si (gL-1) demonstrated notable potential to enhance apple fruit yield and quality traits. Among the cultivars studied, Royal Gala showed superior performance in yield and fruit quality. Further research is needed to optimize the combined foliar application of B, Ca, and Si to achieve better yield and quality across various agro-climatic conditions.
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