EFFECT OF SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF IRON AND ZINC ON QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE YIELD OF POMEGRANATE

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of soil and foliar application of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) fertilizer on pomegranate (Punica granatum L cv. ‘Ghojagh’) in a calcareous soil. A two year trial (2002–2004) was conducted in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments in triplicates. Foliar spray and broadcast application of Fe and Zn had no effect on the fruit yield in the first year but increased it in the second year. In both years, localized placement of Fe- ethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (EDDHA) + zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O) + sulfur (S) along with foliar application of iron sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) + ZnSO4.7H2O at a rate of 2 g L−1, increased significantly the fruit weight and diameter, Brixindex and 100-seed weight although these increases were more apparent in the second year. In general, soil application of FeEDDHA + ZnSO4.7H2O, particularly as localized placement, is an effective approach to increase fruit yield and quality of pomegranate in calcareous soils.