Foliar Fertilizer Application Research Articles

EFFECT OF ORGANO- BASED FOLIAR FERTILIZER ON CHLOROPHYLL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF OKRA VARIETIES IN DERIVED SAVANAH OF NIGERIA

Cultivation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) which is a commonly grown vegetable crop in the tropics is constrained by depleting soil fertility. Use of foliar fertilizer as a supplement has been successfully reported in the temperate region hence there is need to determine the effect of foliar liquid fertilizer on okra growth and nutritional quality. Field experiments were conducted at the Abeokuta (Federal University of Agriculture [FUNAAB] ) and Ibadan (National Horticulture Research Institute [NIHORT] ), between May and August 2015 to evaluate the response of two okra varieties to types and rates of organic-based foliar fertilizer application. Experiment was a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial combinations laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates at both locations. Factors were okra variety (LD88 and NHae47-4), the fertilizer types (D.I. Grow Green ® and D.I.Grow Red®) and four rate of foliar applications (0 [control], 300, 600 and 900 ml/ha) while NPK 15:15:15 served as check. The results showed that the D.I.Grow Red® at 300ml/ha produced the higher Ash (8.23%), fat (2.54%,), moisture (14.65%), and carbohydrate (47.31%) at Abeokuta while 600 ml/ha produced significantly the higher ash, crude fibre, moisture and carbohydrate (9.37%, 15.94%, 9.13%, and 52.02%), respectively in Ibadan. The study concluded that okra variety LD88 had superior growth performance. Application of D.I.Grow Red® at the rate of 300 ml/ha at Abeokuta and 600 ml/ha at Ibadan enhance fruit nutritional quality of okra. Therefore, 300 and 600 ml/ha is recommended to farmers in Abeokuta and Ibadan, respectively.
 

Impact of Nitrogen Nano Fertilizer on ‘King Ruby Seedless’ Grapevines Yield and Berry Qualities تأثیر سماد النتروجین النانو على المحصول وصفات ثمار العنب الکینج روبى

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of Nano chitosan nitrogen fertilizer as foliar application at three levels (250, 500, and 1000 ppm) with nitrogen soil application as ammonium sulphate at different doses on vegetative growth, mineral content in leaf petioles, yield and berry quality of ‘King Ruby seedless’ grapevines grown in a clay loam soil in a private farm existed at Aga near Mansoura city, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Results show that the application of Nano nitrogen foliar fertilizer has a significant impact on shoot diameter, leaf area, N, P and K concentration in leaf petioles, yield and cluster physical and chemical characteristics as compared to control treatment. Furthermore, among all treatments the foliar application of 1000 ppm Nano N fertilizer along with 50% reduction of soil added N fertilizer than the recommended level improved vegetative growth, as well as yield and fruit quality of ‘King Ruby seedless’ grapevines as it recorded the highest values of the tested parameters.

The Application of Foliar Fertilizer For Tea Crops As Alternative Fertilization Method During Dry Period Condition In Pagilaran Tea Estate

The Application of Foliar Fertilizer For Tea Crops As Alternative Fertilization Method During Dry Period Condition In Pagilaran Tea Estate

1-Methylcyclopropene on Fruit Quality of Se-Enriched Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) during Shelf Life Period

Selenium (Se) deficiency in humans could be improved by biofortification of food with selenium, 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment is beneficial for the non-sulfur storage of fresh fruit. This study investigated fruit quality of table grape (Hutai No.8) with foliar Se fertilizer at maturity, and fruit quality changes of table grape during shelf life stages that caused by postharvest 1-MCP treatment in 2016 and 2017. The results showed that foliar Se fertilizer application significantly increased Se content in grape berries at maturity, and the raised rate were 43.09% and 33.24% compared to that of control in 2016 and 2017 respectively, meanwhile it increased the nutritional components in grape berries, including soluble proteins, soluble sugars, Vitamin C, total soluble solids, proanthocyanidin content and so on, and decreased the titratable acidity content. During shelf life stages, 1-MCP application decreased the decay number of grapes, and SE + 1-MCP treatment had the most excellent fruit quality among all treatments in two consecutive vintages. In conclusion, Se fertilizer application could increase Se content in grape berries, also improved the fruit nutritional and health care values at maturity. 1-MCP application could delay the process of ripening and senescence for Se-enriched grape and maintaining the postharvest quality of table grape during shelf life stages, it allows us to market the fruit at a more advanced ripening stage without quality loss.

Effect of foliar application of premix liquid fertilizers on growth, yield and economics in chickpea

A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, G.H. Raisoni University, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh during Rabi season 2019, Effect of foliar application of premix liquid fertilizers on growth, yield and economics of chickpea. Five liquid fertilizers comprised of treatments only RDF of application RDF + Liquid fertilizers (premix) @ 500 ml ha-1, RDF + Liquid fertilizers (premix) @ 1.0 litre ha-1, RDF + Liquid fertilizers (premix) @ 1.5 litre ha-1, RDF + Sea weed extract @ 500 ml ha-1, ontrol (Only RDF). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thrice replication. The experimental results revealed that the growth attributing characters of chickpea crop viz., plant height and dry matter accumulation plant-1, yield attributes (Pods plant-1, dry weight of pods plant-1, seed pod-1 and seed index ), Maximum grain yield (1893 q ha-1), straw yield (2784 q ha-1), gross monetary returns (87847 Rs. ha-1), net monetary returns (59542 Rs. ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.10) were recorded under application of RDF + Liquid fertilizers (premix) at 1 litre ha-1 as compared to rest of the treatments.

Micronutrient Foliar Spray on Growth Performance of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Fertilizer application is an important source to increase the production in agricultural practices. Among various cultural practices, foliar nutrition is one of the important methods as the spray of micronutrients and fertilizers facilitate easy and quick utilization of nutrients. In this study the plant growth attributes like height, number of root nodules and the chlorophyll content was observed by foliar spraying of 1% Foliar feed spray, 1% Humic acid liquid fertilizer, 2% NPK (20:20:20) and 2% MAP (12:61:00) in three replicate pots containing soil as control and in variable concentration of soil and compost in 2:1, 2:2, 3:1 and 4:1 ratio. The highest plant growth was recorded in spraying of foliar feed spray and MAP (12:61:00). Humic liquid fertilizer and NPK (20:20:20) in control conditions was found to be effective. Highest nodulation was recorded in plants treated with the foliar feed spray and MAP (12:61:00) in different soil and compost ratios. Like that in case of chlorophyll estimation it has been observed that the highest chlorophyll a (0.13 mg/g) content was found in the plants grown in foliar application of NPK fertilizers applied in soil and compost (3:1 ratio) and the highest chlorophyll b (0.22 mg/g) was recorded in the plants grown both in NPK fertilizers and humic acid fertilizer foliar application and the highest carotenoid content (1.608 mg/g) was estimated in foliar application of humic liquid fertilizer in control pots.

INTERACTION BETWEEN RESISTANCE INDUCER AND MICRONUTRIENTS ON THE CONTROL OF ROOT-LESION NEMATODE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOYBEAN PLANTS

ABSTRACT Root lesion nematodes limit the productivity of several crops of economic importance, requiring alternatives for their management. Resistance inducers activate enzymes involved in defense mechanisms and micronutrients can influence this process by acting as enzymatic cofactors. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of a commercial organomineral fertilizer and its association or not with zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) micronutrients on the Pratylenchus brachyurus suppression and soybean plant development under greenhouse conditions. Shoots of soybean were treated 10 days after germination and inoculated with 5000 nematodes/plant five days after the treatments, using untreated plants as controls. Treatments consisted of a commercial product based on phosphorylated mannanoligosaccharide derived from the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (here coded as MOS), Zn, Mn, MOS+Zn, MOS+Mn or MOS+Zn+Mn. At sixty days after establishment of treatments, the plants were collected and evaluated for vegetative analysis, nematological analysis and nutrient contents. The work was repeated at different times: experiment 1 from November 2016 to January 2017 and experiment 2 from October to November 2017. All treatments were efficient in controlling P. brachyurus in at least one of the evaluated nematological parameters, compared to the control. However, only the plant spraying with MOS+Zn results in significative reduction of the total number of nematodes and the number of P. brachyurus nematodes per gram of soybean root in both experiments. In addition, spraying of plants with Mn increased shoot dry weight and all treatments resulted in higher concentrations of copper, Zn and Mn in soybeans leaves compared to control.

Responses of seed germination and yield related traits to seed pretreatment and foliar spray of humic and amino acids compounds in carrot (Daucus carota L.).

This investigation was conducted at Research Farm and Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University to study the effects of some humic compounds and amino acids on seed germination characteristics and some quantitative traits of carrot (Nantes variety). Five commercial organic fertilizers were used (WAF1, WAF3, P-Humas, Agro and Acto). The results showed that seed treatments in organic solutions reduced germination time, improved germination uniformity and increased seed vigor. Among all fertilizers WAF3 1.5 g/l (T2), consists of amino and organic acids, was significantly superior and recorded maximum germination capacity and germination percentage 62% and 94% respectively, take minimum time for seeds germination 5.2 day, highest homogeneity of seed germination 14.5 seed/day and seed vigor 1.78 g/100 seedling emergence. Field experiment revealed that foliar application of organic fertilizers significantly improved plant growth and roots yield by increasing plant height, plant fresh weight, leaves fresh weight, roots fresh weight and harvest index. Among treatments, Agro 1.5 mL (T4) “45% organic material in the form of amino acids + (Fe, Mn, S, Zn, B, Cu, Mo)” recorded maximum plant height 43.1 cm, plant fresh weight 143 g, roots fresh weight 111 g and harvest index 77.60%.

Enhancement of the Productivity of Groundnut in Malawi through the Combined Use of Inoculants and Foliar Application of Nutrients

Low productivity characterizes the production of groundnut among smallholder farmers in Malawi. There is a need to explore options capable of increasing the productivity of the crop sustainably more especially under the changing climate. Against this background, experiments were conducted during the 2016/17 cropping season to investigate the potential to enhance the productivity of groundnut in Malawi through the combined use of inoculants (Graph-Ex and Histick-BASF) and foliar application of nutrients using Allwin fertilizer (legumes). The experiments were established at Bvumbwe and Chitala Agricultural research Stations and were laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. Data collected were analyzed in Genstat Discovery Edition 4 and were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% level of confidence. Means were separated by the least significant difference (LSD0.05). In general, foliar application of Allwin fertilizer alone particularly when conducted twice at two and four weeks after emergence produced a positive significant (p<0.05) groundnut grain yield response (97.8-170.8%) above the control. The yield increase is attributable to enhanced growth and development of the groundnut through the foliar supply of nutrients. In general, under the changing climate and amidst other constraints foliar feeding of nutrients using Allwin fertilizer alone particularly when conducted twice can increase significantly groundnut productivity in Malawi.

Using Soil and Foliar Applications of some Fertilizers to Improve the Yield and Quality Parameters of Table Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of soil and foliar application of some fertilizers on the yield and quality of table grapes cv. Alkdarri. Soil and foliar fertilizer application treatments included a control, Ca 200 g/vine, K 150 g/vine, N 200 g/vine, Ca 30 g/L, grow more INC fertilizer 10 g/L, K 20 g/L, and Cu 5 mg/L. Results indicate that soil and foliar fertilizer application increases quality and quantity of table grapes compared to control treatment. The highest berry diameter, a weight of 100 berries and a size of 100 berries were obtained in vines treated with Ca 200 g/vine, using the soil application method. The highest cluster weight was obtained in vines that were treated with K 150 g/vine, using the soil application method. The highest berry firmness was obtained in vines that were treated with K 20 g/L using the foliar application method. The highest pH and TSS were obtained in vines treated with Cu 5 mg/L, using the foliar application method. The highest fruit yield was found in vines that were treated with 150 g K.

Foliar Application of an Amino Acid-Enriched Urea Fertilizer on 'Greco' Grapevines at Full Veraison Increases Berry Yeast-Assimilable Nitrogen Content.

Reaching a sufficient yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) content in berries at harvest is considered a main viticultural goal for wine-making, because low YANs can slow down must fermentation and have negative effects on wine sensory attributes. For this reason, many attempts have been made to define correct fertilization strategies to stimulate YAN accumulation in the berries. Foliar application of amino acid-enriched urea fertilizer is considered a promising environmentally friendly strategy for improving the yield and nutrient efficiency of plants. The aim of this two-year research was to study the effects of two fertilizers based on urea enriched with amino acids applied at low doses in diverse phenological stages on berry YAN concentration in ‘Greco’ grapevines. The results of this study indicate that amino acid-enriched urea fertilizers induced an increase in YANs in the ‘Greco’ berries at harvest, but only when the application was undertaken at full veraison. Foliar applications applied at veraison onset or post-veraison appeared to be ineffective. In addition, the fertilizers enhanced YAN accumulation in the berry without modifying the other composition parameters measured in this study (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and malic acid). Therefore, the results of our study suggest that foliar application of urea fertilizers enriched with amino acids is an effective strategy to increase yeast-assimilable nitrogen concentration in grapevine berries at harvest.

Foliar Application of Liquid-Silicate Rock Fertilizer Reduced Pest and Disease Attacks and Improved Bean Production of Cocoa

Besides the lack of soil fertilization, the primary biotic stressor limiting the production of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in Indonesia is pest and disease attacks (PDAs). As a part of the efforts to find out the appropriate solution for the farming constraints, a field trial was carried out for 14 months (2015 – 2016) in Genggelang - North Lombok Regency, Indonesia. The main objective of the experiment was to identify the effects of the use of locally-available materials, i.e., liquid-silicate rock fertilizer (LSRF), botanical pesticide (BP) of neem, and black ants (BA) of Doliccoderus thoracic, on PDAs, bean production, and polyphenol and lignin contents of cocoa pod shell. A randomized complete block design was laid out in three blocks, and the treatments were LSRF, LSRF+BP, LSRF+BA, BA, and control. Results reveal that the application of those materials reduced the intensity of pest and disease attacks (e.i., respectively, 6 - 24 % and 3 - 9 % lower than for that of the control), increased 18 – 119 % of bean production, and improved the polyphenol and lignin contents of pod shell. The highest increase (119 %) of bean production was due to the foliar application of LSRF. The positive effect of the treatments, especially the use of LSRF, associated with the improvement of the resistance of cocoa to PDAs and appropriate supply of plant-essential nutrients. Therefore, the foliar application of LSRF may be promoted as a proper method to improve the production of cocoa, especially of that grown on less fertile soils.

The effect of foliar application of mineral fertilizer on the growth and development of apple trees in a fruit-bearing orchard

The article presents data on the study of the effect of non-root water-soluble mineral fertilizer Novatek Solub K-Max 10-5-30 on productivity, mass and size of the fruit, depending on the application rate of the preparation, as well as indicators of growth activity of apple trees of Krymskoe cultivar. Obtaining high rates of yield increase from the introduction of the preparation Novatek also indicates that it is an active stimulator of increasing the productivity of apple. The use of this mineral fertilizer is recommended for inclusion in the industry regulation of apple cultivation as one of the technology elements.

Foliar application of water soluble fertilizers in summer groundnut in a Vertisols

A field experiment was carried out during summer season to know the effect of water soluble fertilizers on theperformance of groundnut (cv. TAG 24) in Vertisols of Northern Transition Zone of Karnataka. Application of FYM+ 100% RDF + foliar spray of fertilizers at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) recorded 7.35% higher pod yieldover application of 100% RDF and was on par with the treatment receiving FYM + 85 % RDF + foliar spray offertilizers at 30, 45 and 60 DAS and recorded the highest B:C ratio.

Foliar Water Uptake in Trees: Negligible or Necessary?

Foliar water uptake (FWU) has been identified as a mechanism commonly used by trees and other plants originating from various biomes. However, many questions regarding the pathways and the implications of FWU remain, including its ability to mitigate climate change-driven drought. Therefore, answering these questions is of primary importance to adequately address and comprehend drought stress responses and associated growth. In this review, we discuss the occurrence, pathways, and consequences of FWU, with a focus predominantly on tree species. Subsequently, we highlight the tight coupling between FWU and foliar fertilizer applications, discuss FWU in a changing climate, and conclude with the importance of including FWU in mechanistic vegetation models.

ESTABLISHMENT OF GENDER-INCLUSIVE COCONUT-BASED MULTI-STOREY FARM MODEL IN BUKIDNON, PHILIPPINES

Coconut palms are ideal for diversified (i.e. multi-storey cropping) production system across stages of growth and development. However, local information on the role of women in coconut-based multi-storey cropping is not available. Hence, this study was conceptualized to evaluate the growth of intercrops to coconut at initial vegetative growth with a woman as maintainer in a multi-storey farm in Bukidnon, Philippines. Land resource utilization in newly established coconut plantation was maximized by planting high-value intercrops such as pineapple, cacao and vegetables and were found to have no adverse effects on the growth. Eggplant as intercrop produced the highest gross income for a one-hectare non-bearing stage of coconut. On the other hand, the role of women in the establishment of a coconut-based multi-storey farm was found to be essential in all aspects of intercultural management practices, except foliar application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The results could serve as guide to policy makers in establishing a gender-inclusive coconut-based multi-storey farm.

Association of controlled-release and foliar fertilizers in the production of grafted dwarf cashew seedlings

Cashew yield in Brazil is considered as unstable due to the heterogeneity of the orchards. With the availability of clonal seedlings of superior genotypes and modernization of cultural practices, the national yield of cashew nuts is expected to increase. This study aimed to evaluate the application of controlled-release and foliar fertilizers on the production of the “CCP 06” rootstock and on the grafted seedling of “BRS 226” dwarf cashew. Two complementary experiments were carried out at the Experimental Field of Pacajus, belonging to Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, located in the municipality of Pacajus-CE, Brazil. The first one relative to the production of the “CCP 06” rootstock with application of a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) in the substrate at rate of 3.70 kg m−3 or with spraying of foliar fertilizer (FF) at rate of 2.5 g L−1 at 30 days of sowing (DAS). In the second experiment, relative to the production of grafted seedlings of “BRS 226” dwarf cashew, treatments consisted in the application of CRF to the substrate at sowing (CRF S); FF at 30 days after sowing (FF 30 DAS); CRF after grafting (CRF AG), FF applied at 45 days after grafting the seedlings (FF 45 DAG); and associations of CRF S + FF 45 DAG, and FF 30 DAS + FF 45 DAG. The CRF applications after grafting, at sowing associated with FF 45 DAG and FF 30 DAS + FF 45 DAG led to increase in the total dry matter of the grafted seedlings of “BRS 226” dwarf cashew.

Canola-quality white mustard: Agronomic management and seed yield

Modern white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cultivars have high concentrations of erucic acid and glucosinolates. The progress in the breeding and cultivation of oilseed crops has contributed to the development of canola-quality white mustard, a variety without erucic acid and with low glucosinolate content, which was released for commercial production in 2012. The introduction of a new variety of white mustard could require partial or complete modification of the relevant production technology. The agricultural requirements of new crop cultivars can be rapidly assessed in experiments with fractional factorial design. In 2016–2018, a field experiment with mixed 2m3k−1 factorial design, where five factors were tested at two and three levels, was carried out in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Bałcyny in north-eastern Poland. Two white mustard cultivars, including the traditional cultivar Radena and the canola-quality cultivar Warta, were sown on three dates: the optimal date (4–10 April), as well as 7 and 14 days past the optimal date. White mustard cultivars were grown at three levels of agricultural inputs (0, 1, 2) with different rates of nitrogen (80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1), sulfur (0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1) and boron fertilizers (0, 150 and 300 g ha-1). The yields of the traditional cultivar exceeded those of the canola-quality cultivar by 0.53 Mg ha-1 on average. Both cultivars produced the highest yields when sown on the optimal date. Delayed sowing (by 7 and 14 days) contributed to the greatest decrease in yield (32 % and 42 %, respectively) in a dry year (2018). The traditional cultivar was more sensitive to delayed sowing than the canola-quality cultivar. In both analyzed cultivars, nitrogen fertilizer delivered yield-forming effects up to the rate of 80 kg ha-1 (in the dry year) or 120 kg ha-1 (in the year with above-average precipitation, 2016–2017). In both cultivars, a significant increase in seed yield was observed in response to 20 kg S ha-1. Foliar application of boron fertilizer did not increase white mustard yields.

Stomatal Functioning and Its Influence on Fruit Calcium Accumulation in Northern Highbush Blueberry

Accumulation of calcium (Ca) in fruit is largely caused by transpiration and varies depending on the concentration of Ca in the xylem fluid. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between fruit stomatal functioning and Ca accumulation during different stages of development in northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Stomata were scarce on the berries and were concentrated primarily on the distal end near the calyx. The density of the stomata was greatest at petal fall, averaging 5 to 108 stomata/mm2 from the proximal end (pedicel end) to the distal end of the berries. Stomata were wide-open at the early green stage of berry development and had a slight deposit of wax along the guard cells. As the berries expanded during the initial period of rapid growth (stage I), most of the stomata remained near the distal segment of the berries; by the late green stage, almost none was found in the middle and proximal segments. The majority of these stomata were completely covered with wax when the berries began to change color and ripen (stage II and stage III). Stomatal conductance (gS) of the berries averaged 45 mmol·m−2·s−1 at petal fall and rapidly declined as the fruit developed. By the fruit coloring stage, conductance was low and remained less than 15 mmol·m−2·s−1 throughout the ripening period. In four cultivars, including Duke, Bluecrop, Aurora, and Elliott, Ca uptake in the berries increased rapidly during the early green stage; however, it slowed considerably between the late green and fruit coloring stages and stopped completely during fruit ripening. The results of this study strongly suggested that practices used to increase the Ca content of blueberries, such as the application of foliar fertilizers, should be performed early in the season during the first few weeks after flowering.

Impact of foliar application of nanomicronutrient fertilizers on some quantitative and qualitative traits of" Thompson seedless" grapevine

Impact of foliar application of nanomicronutrient fertilizers on some quantitative and qualitative traits of" Thompson seedless" grapevine