RESPONSE OF WONDERFUL POMEGRANATE TO PRE-HARVEST SPRAY BY POTASSIUM, IRON AND BORON AS ALTERNATIVE TO FERTIGATION

Abstract

During 2017 and 2018 seasons, Wonderful pomegranate treated with potassium sulphate (K2SO4) and/or ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and boric acid (H3BO3). The main object was examining the effect of these three compounds and their interaction on trees flowering, yield and leaf mineral content. Treating the trees three times with K2SO4, FeSO4and H3BO3 caused a remarkable stimulation on number of total and perfect flowers, compared with untreated control. Furthermore, treating the trees with K2SO4 and/or FeSO4& H3BO3 caused increasing yield (Kg/tree) and very effective in enhancing leaf N, P & K%. The combined application of the three compounds was superior than the single application of each compound on enhancing all flowering aspects and yield and improved leaves NPK. For enhancing flowering, crop of yields and leaf mineral contents (NPK) of Wonderful pomegranate, it is suggested to spray the trees with a mixture of K2SO4 and/or FeSO4 and H3BO3 three times yearly during the fruit growth cycle.