Foliar Application of Kelpak, Brassinolide and Boron in Relation to Fruit Set, Drop, Yield and Fruit Quality of 'Canino' Apricot Trees

Abstract

The present study was conducted during the two successive seasons 2017 and 2018 on six years old 'Canino' apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca L.) plants budded on 'Balady' apricot rootstock, planted at 4 x 5 meters apart grown in a sandy soil under drip irrigation system in a private orchard located at El-Nubaria, EL-Beheira governorate, Egypt. The present investigation aimed to study the foliar application of Kelpak, Brassinolide and boron in relation to fruit set, drop, yield and fruit quality of 'Canino' apricot trees. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results indicated that foliar application with Kelpak at 3cm3/l treatment; brought about the highest increment in vegetative growth characters, followed by Brassinolide treatments as compared with the control during both seasons. Moreover, all foliar applications treatments, significantly increased initial, final fruit set (%), number of fruits per tree, fruit size (cm3), fruit length (cm), fruit weight and yield (ton/feddan) except, Brassinolide at 0.05 and 0.06 g /l and boric acid at 0.5 and 1.5 g/l, as compared with the control during both experimental seasons. Generally, Kelpak at 3cm3/l, Brassinolide at 0.07 g/l and boric acid at 0.5 g/l, significantly decreased fruit drop (%) as compared with the control treatment. Meanwhile, all treatments significantly increased total soluble solids, T.S.S / acid ratio, total sugars (%), carotene (mg/100g fw) and vitamin C (mg/100 ml juice) but decreased fruit juice acidity (%) as compared with the control.