Influence of foliar application of mineral nutrients at different growth stages of guava

ABSTRACT

Foliar application of nutrients enhances efficient use along with quick response. The experiment was undertaken to study the effect of foliar application of mineral nutrients viz., boron (B), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) sprayed at different growth stages viz., at fruit set and at two weeks after fruit set of guava (Psidium guajava L.). Increase in plant canopy and minimum seed index was in Zn (0.03%) sprayed at fruit set. Fruit size, sugar: acid, and organoleptic score were better in K (0.5%) sprayed at two weeks after fruit set. Increased yield in Zn (0.01%) and pectin enhancement with B (0.03%) was found at two weeks after fruit set, respectively. Minimum physiological loss in weight of fruits was with Ca (0.5%) sprayed at two weeks after fruit set. In general, for most of the desirable characters 0.5% potassium (K) spray at 2 weeks after fruit set had better results.

KEYWORDS:

• Nutrients
• physico-chemical properties
• Psidium guajava
• seed index