Application Of Mineral Nutrients Research Articles

An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods: The Biggest Challenge for Future Generations' Health.

In the last sixty years, there has been an alarming decline in food quality and a decrease in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in imperative fruits, vegetables, and food crops. The potential causes behind the decline in the nutritional quality of foods have been identified worldwide as chaotic mineral nutrient application, the preference for less nutritious cultivars/crops, the use of high-yielding varieties, and agronomic issues associated with a shift from natural farming to chemical farming. Likewise, the rise in atmospheric or synthetically elevated carbon dioxide could contribute to the extensive reductions in the nutritional quality of fruits, vegetables, and food crops. Since ancient times, nutrient-intense crops such as millets, conventional fruits, and vegetables have been broadly grown and are the most important staple food, but the area dedicated to these crops has been declining steadily over the past few decades and hastily after the green revolution era due to their poorer economic competitiveness with major commodities such as high-yielding varieties of potato, tomato, maize, wheat, and rice. The majority of the population in underdeveloped and developing countries have lower immune systems, are severely malnourished, and have multiple nutrient deficiency disorders due to poor dietary intake and less nutritious foods because of ignorance about the importance of our traditional nutrient-rich diets and ecofriendly organic farming methods. This critical review emphasizes the importance of balance and adequate nutrition as well as the need to improve soil biodiversity and fertility: those are main causes behind the decline in nutritional density. There is also emphasis on a possible way out of alleviating the decline nutritional density of food crops for the health and well-being of future generations.

Physicochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits as affected by foliar application of potassium and zinc

Foliar application of mineral nutrients can considerably improve fruit yield and quality. In this study, the effects of K and Zn application by spraying on leaf mineral contents, and some physical and biochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits cv. ‘Malas Saveh’ were investigated. The mineral treatments were three concentrations of K2SO4 (0, 1, and 2%) and three concentrations of ZnSO4 (0, 0.5, and 1%). The solutions were applied in 2020–2021 and in four times: the first application was during the time of flowering and rest three applications were applied at two-week intervals. The results showed that leaves of trees fed with different concentrations of K2SO4 and ZnSO4 accumulated higher concentrations of N, P K, Zn, Fe, and Mn than those untreated. Pomegranate trees treated with the mineral treatments had higher chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll. Applying most mineral treatments, especially 2% K2SO4+0.5% ZnSO4, significantly increased the fruit yield, fruit diameter, fruit length, aril percentage, aril/skin, the weight of 100 arils, and juice content of 100 g arils, but reduced the cracking percentage, skin thickness, skin percentage and firmness of fruits. Moreover, fruits of pomegranate trees treated with the most mineral treatments and especially 2% K2SO4+0.5% ZnSO4, showed a greater level of TSS (total soluble solids), TSS/TA (total soluble solids/titratable acidity), anthocyanin, total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C, and a lower level of TA. The study results evidenced that K and Zn application by spraying has a high potential for improving fruit yield and quality of pomegranate.

Influence of foliar application of boron, iron and magnesium on quality attributes and leaf nutrient status of guava cv. Hisar Surkha

Foliar application of nutrients escalates efficient use of nutrients along with quick response. An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of foliar application of mineral nutrients viz., boron (B), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) sprayed at different growth stages viz., at fruit set and one month after first spray at the experimental orchard of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during year 2020–21 and 2021–2022. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with 21 treatments and 3 replications with a spacing of 6 × 6 m. Foliar sprays with boron, magnesium and iron significantly affected the physio-chemical properties of the fruits. Total soluble solids, TSS acidity ratio, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and pectin content were found to be maximum under the treatment T21 [FeSO4 (0.5%) + H3BO3 (0.5%) + MgSO4 (0.5%)] while in case of titratable acidity was found significantly lowest under the treatment T21 [FeSO4 (0.5%) + H3BO3 (0.5%) + MgSO4 (0.5%)]. Treatments also affected the leaf chlorophyll content and leaf nutrient status significantly. It can be concluded from this study that foliar sprays of boron, magnesium and iron are beneficial for improving fruit quality, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf nutrient status of guava cv. Hisar Surkha. Further, 0.5 per cent each of FeSO4, H3BO3 and MgSO4 foliar sprays two times at one month’s interval can obtain the best results in terms of quality of fruits.

Growth and flower production of lilium as influenced by precise application of mineral nutrients

Growth and flower production of lilium as influenced by precise application of mineral nutrients

Pre-Harvest Foliar Application Effects of Mineral Nutrients on Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Broccoli

This study was conducted at the farmer’s field of Jashore Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh during the Rabi seasons of 2020-2021 to evaluate pre-harvest foliar application effects of mineral nutrients on yield, quality and shelf life of broccoli. The experiment was designed in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), including three replications and seven treatments for field study which were: T1=control, T2=Ca@o.30%, T3=B@o.30%), T4= Zn@o.30%, T5=Mo@o.30%, T6=Mn@o.30%, and T7= (Ca+B+Zn+Mo+Mn)@o.30%. In order to determine the shelf life of broccoli, a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was conducted with three replications considering three factors; (i) pre-harvest foliar application of mineral nutrient sources; (ii) room temperature along with storage materials, and (iii) cold storage along with storage materials that were used accordingly. Findings revealed that the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of mineral nutrients had a significant influence on the yield, post-harvest quality, and shelf life of broccoli. The treatment T7 (Ca+B+Zn+Mo+Mn)@o.30% produced significantly in all respects of yield contributing attributes denoting curd length, diameter, and marketable curd yield of broccoli. The same treatment effectively increased post-harvest quality attributes such as color, compactness, texture, dry matter, fats, carbohydrates, energy, vitamin C, antioxidants, and phenols content in the curd. In addition, the treatment also recorded the highest shelf life of 7.25 days at room temperature (14-240c with RH 60-65%) and 24.33 days at cold storage (40c with RH 90-95%) conditions within a High-Density Polyethylene (HDP; 15 micron) Vacuum pack.

Foliar nutrition: Potential and challenges under multifaceted agriculture

Soil-derived nutrients by plant roots can be limited under increasing environmental stresses such as higher incidence and duration of heat and drought, which affect agricultural productivity and environmental quality in multiple ways. These unprecedented challenges urge the adoption of novel and resource-efficient strategies to close yield gaps. Foliar fertilization has been well recognized for two decades to affect crop productivity, however, the consequences of foliar spray under multiple environmental stresses remains elusive, albeit evidence to resilience agriculture has grown widely. Here, we provide a focused overview of recent developments unravelling the significance of foliar nutrition under multifaceted agricultural production scenario(s). The mechanisms involved in the absorption and translocation of foliar-applied minerals are critically discussed to highlight their efficiency and effectiveness. The potential of foliar fertilization in improving crop yield and quality under environmental stresses has been evaluated based on a meta-analysis. Foliar-applied fertilizers showed higher crop plants yield and quality traits by 15–19% and 9–29%, respectively, under different environmental stresses. The knowledge gaps to improve the effectiveness of foliar nutrition from economic and ecological perspectives has been discussed. This comprehensive review draws attention to the potential of foliar fertilization to close yield gaps and endure agriculture sustainability, particularly under hostile soils and deteriorating environmental conditions. • The rising environmental stresses are negatively affecting soil health, yield and quality of agricultural commodities • Foliar application of mineral nutrients enhances crop plants yield by 15–19% under stressful conditions • Spraying foliar fertilizers improves crop quality traits by 9–29% under salinity and drought stress conditions • Foliar nutrition is suggested to be introduced as a standard treatment in multifaceted agricultural production scenario(s)

Ex Vitro Simultaneous Acclimatization and Rooting of In Vitro Propagated Tamarillo Plants (Solanum betaceum Cav.): Effect of the Substrate and Mineral Nutrition

Plants propagated by seed do not ensure genetic uniformity and are sometimes infected with diseases. In Vitro micropropagation techniques are an alternative method to traditional cloning approaches for producing true-to-type and pathogen-free plants. However, due to the particularities of the in vitro environment, these plants face many challenges, often critical to their survival, to adapt to ex vitro conditions. In this context, four substrates and two types of mineral nutrition (quick-release (QRF) and controlled-release (CRF) fertilizers), as well as their absence were evaluated in the process of acclimatization of Solanum betaceum plants. Stomatal conductance (gs), chlorophyll content index (CCI), and dry biomass of roots, shoots, and entire plants were the parameters analyzed during the acclimatization. The best crop performance (gs, CCI, and dry biomass) were observed in substrates consisting of vermiculite plus the application of mineral nutrients through a CRF, proving that mineral nutrition has the greatest positive impact on the acclimatization process. In these conditions, plants were obtained with a total dry biomass being significantly higher (515.0 mg (QRF) and 635.9 mg (CRF) when compared to the total dry biomass of untreated plants (119.9 mg). The best conditions for this first experiment were replicated in a second test in order to assess the best fertilizer amount suited for plantlet growth. In this case, the best results were obtained with 0.4 g of CRF, in which plants showed a dry biomass of roots (542.7 mg) and a total dry biomass (594.5 mg), which was significantly higher than in the control (183.2 mg and 165.9 mg, respectively) or with other concentrations of CRF (0.8 and 1.6 g). A similar trend was found concerning the CCI (5.3) and gs (72.5 mmol m−2 s−1) in which 0.4 g CRF gave also the best results when compared with the control (without CRF) or with 0.8 g (4.7 and 56.2 mmol m−2 s−1) and 1.6 g (4.7 and 52.2 mmol m−2 s−1) treatments. In general, it was found that tamarillo plantlets acclimatized to 0.4 g of CRF had a faster initial growth and better performance (CCI and gs), with plants ready to go to the greenhouse/field more quickly, thus reducing the time to obtain suitable plants for the market and shortening the production cycle.

Nutrient Release from Vermicompost under Anaerobic Conditions in Two Contrasting Soils of Bangladesh and Its Effect on Wetland Rice Crop

Although its mechanism of action, particularly under wetland condition, is not clearly understood, vermicompost, a good source of humus and plant nutrients, has been used as organic manure in many parts of the world in order to increase crop production. Here, an anaerobic incubation study and a field study were conducted to observe the nutrient release pattern from vermicompost and its influence on performance and nutrient uptake in wetland rice. Two contrasting soils, viz. highly weathered terrace soil and very young floodplain soil, were subjected to anaerobic incubation, while the field trial was conducted in the terrace soil with control (no amendments), mineral fertilizer, vermicompost (10 t ha−1) + mineral fertilizer, cow dung (10 t ha−1) + mineral fertilizer, vermicompost (20 t ha−1) + mineral fertilizer and vermicompost (local farmer’s practice) + mineral fertilizer treatments. Results showed that there were significant increases in nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) release in floodplain soil but not in terrace soil, suggesting that nutrient release from vermicompost is soil-dependent. The performance of Boro rice in terms of yield and yield attributes improved significantly in the case of the integrated application of vermicompost with mineral fertilizer. Specifically, combined application of mineral nutrients and vermicompost (10 t ha−1) significantly increased grain yield by 25% compared to the control treatment. We believe that this occurred due to an improvement in supply and subsequent uptake of nutrients, especially N and P. Altogether, our results suggest that vermicompost could increase crop performance under field conditions, and, although these effects may not be significant in short-term incubation studies, they may be even larger in floodplain soil.

Correlations of Arsenic and Nutrient Elements in Different Tissues of Perennial Ryegrass Under Arsenic Stress

The objectives of this study were to investigate the growth and nutrient absorption in different tissues of perennial ryegrass under several levels of As stress, and to determine the relationships between absorption As and nutrient elements. As treatments at 0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM were applied to perennial ryegrass in hydroponic systems, and As and nutrient absorption in the mature leaves, expanded leaves, emerging leaves, and roots were determined. The effects of P, Ca, and Mg on the growth and As absorption of perennial ryegrass under As stress were also investigated. The biomass of the different tissues of perennial ryegrass decreased when the As concentration was greater than 5 μM. The As content was higher in roots relative to leaves regardless of As concentrations in nutrient solution, and leaf As content was greatest in the mature leaves and least in the emerging leaves. The As treatment reduced N, P, Ca, and Mg absorption in different tissues. A positive correlation of As content was found with the Mn content in the roots and all three kinds of leaves. The N, P, and K contents in the leaves were greatest in the emerging leaves and least in the mature leaves. The P, Ca, and Mg application decreased the As absorption of As-challenged perennial ryegrass. Our results indicated that As stress treatment reduced N, P, Ca, and Mg absorption and the As absorption was associated with leaf age and also levels of nutrients. Proper application of mineral nutrients may reduce As absorption of perennial ryegrass.

Influence of foliar application of mineral nutrients on vegetative and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler

Influence of foliar application of mineral nutrients on vegetative and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler

Mineral Nutrients, Organic Amendment, and Water Impact Decomposition of Biodegradable Containers Under Controlled Conditions

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate effect of soil water content, organic soil amendment, and mineral nutrient application on decomposition of three types of biodegradable containers: recycled paper, wood pulp fiber, and coconut coir over 182 days. Soil respiration was assessed through alkaline trap and titration method to determine decomposition of biodegradable containers. Percentage of carbon content remaining in the container material after 182 days was also quantified. Relative to soil water content, recycled paper containers under 40% water holding capacity (WHC) had higher carbon dioxide released than 60%WHC. Carbon analysis indicated that less carbon remained for all container types under 60% than 40%WHC. For recycled paper and coconut coir pots, treatments receiving container and soil amendment had significantly increased soil respiration. Post-experiment carbon analysis revealed less carbon remained in the recycled paper, wood pulp fiber, and coconut coir containers in the absence of organic soil amendment. For coconut coir, the interaction of container × mineral nutrients appeared to increase soil respiration with higher carbon dioxide released under biodegradable container × low mineral nutrient. This study suggests that cultural practices (i.e., irrigation and organic matter amendment) could facilitate degradation for certain biodegradable container types; however, to provide extensive cultural practice recommendations regarding biodegradable containers, more research is needed.

Agronomic biofortification through micronutrient management in maize: A review

Most of the health components based foods are boosted by the application of mineral nutrients. Since post green revolution, farmers fertilize the crop for optimum to higher yields which are often overlooked. In addition to higher yield, plant nutrition also affects other human nutritional needs like proteins, oils, vitamins and minerals. Trace elements necessary to human nutrition can be optimized by applying to food crops. Due to various factors like temperature, climate, time of applications, crop adaptability, etc., some nutrients have their own restrictions, and few micronutrients are beneficial and play a significant role in food nutrition making easier access in the plant edible parts by its applications. It is important to note that the foliar application of Zn and Fe at the later crop stage (mid booting stage or early milking stage) is found to be effective than early applications. When compared to related interventions like supplementation and fortification, biofortification was found to be significantly cost-effective in applications to crop and create values for human nutrition.

The long-term recovery of a moderately fertilised semi-natural grassland

Semi-natural grasslands (SNG) are ecosystems whose characteristics can only be maintained by continuous human husbandry. Extensive management without ploughing, sowing or fertilising is advocated to ensure the durability of the various ecosystem services provided by these plant communities. As a semi-natural grassland rich in plant species, the Laelatu wooded meadow in western Estonia has been the subject of numerous studies. A fertilisation experiment conducted between 1961 and 1981 and the later annual observations in some areas of the meadow have provided longitudinal data for evaluating the impact of fertilisation and monitoring recovery time following the application of mineral nutrients. The characteristics under investigation were plant biomass, divided by functional groups (grasses, sedges & rushes, legumes and other herbaceous species) and species richness. Fertilisation caused a more than fourfold increase in biomass, which persisted over the following 10 years after the end of experiment. However, differences in biomass could no longer be detected during the later years of observation. On fertilised plots, ratios of forbs and sedges & rushes biomasses decreased from the second treatment year and were replaced mainly by legumes and/or grasses. In some of those plots, the higher ratio of legumes was noticeable even 35 years after the last fertilisation. Similarly, the number of plant species has not yet reached the level of the control plots. On that basis, intensification of SNG management cannot be advocated for conventional agricultural or bioeconomy purposes.

Pre-Harvest Foliar Application of Mineral Nutrients to Retard Chlorophyll Degradation and Preserve Bio-Active Compounds in Broccoli

Foliar application of micronutrients has become a common farm management practice to increase the overall yield of various crops. However, the effects of foliar fertilization on shelf life and postharvest quality of the crops are rather under-researched. The aim of this field experiment was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of individual mineral nutrients (calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) on pre and postharvest quality of broccoli. The broccoli plants were subjected to single foliar sprays of either Ca, Fe, Zn, or Mn, which was repeated four times during plant growth at a 1 g/kg concentration. Once harvested, the broccoli heads were refrigerated at 4 °C for 28 days. Our results indicated that foliar application of Ca, Zn, Mn, and Fe did not have a significant effect on plant growth parameters, apart from enhancing Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter values. However, during postharvest, foliar application treatment showed a positive response on weight loss during storage and reduction in yellowing of the broccoli heads. Foliar treatments increased the concentration of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Ca, Zn, Mn and Fe significantly in the broccoli head tissue. Total chlorophyll content, total phenolic compound, ascorbic acid, peroxidase activity, glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin and flavonoids were significantly increased by all foliar treatments. Crude protein content and sulforaphane were enhanced by Ca and Mn treatments. Overall, foliar application of the investigated mineral nutrients may prove beneficial in improving the shelf-life and nutrient content of broccoli during postharvest handling and storage.

The effect of foliar feeding on physiological condition of apple trees and chemical content of fruits

Chemical content of leaves and fruits of the low growing apple trees on the rootstocks SК4 and М9 in the result of application of foliar feeding with water solutions of various mineral fertilizers was studied. Special ballastless multi-nutrient fertilizers in solid and liquid forms containing a wide range of chelated microelements were used. The effect of foliar feeding on the content in plants and fruits of macro- and microelements at the fruit maturity stage was estimated with the help of the method of leaf analysis. Significant stable increase of the content of nitrogen and potassium was observed in the leaves of apple trees on the rootstocks SК4 and М9. The content of potassium and calcium in apples became higher. With the help of statistical analysis it is shown that there exists close correlation between the content of elements in leaves and fruits: (N) r = 0.79; (K) r = 0.77; (Ca) r = 0.94; (Cu) r = 0.75; (Mn) r = 0.89; (Zn) r = 0.75; (B) r = 0.70. In the result of our physiological and biochemical tests positive effect of mineral feeding on the functional condition of apple trees during summer season when being subjected to intensive hydrothermal stress factors was established. The foliar feeding effect appeared as changing of the ratio of water fractions in the apple tree leaves at the background of increasing atmospheric drought, which in some years in July and August reached the criteria of "hazardous weather". Sufficient level of water content in the cells of apple trees on the rootstocks SК4 and М9 in case of foliar application of fertilizers was ensured as a result of bound water increasing. Statistic analysis of the experimental data showed significant changes in the ratio of bound and free water fractions. In August, in the environment of strong impact of negative abiotic factors, at higher level of water content in the tissues it was found that the content of pigments in leaves was much higher than in the reference version. The functional changes confirm that application of mineral nutrients contributes to activation of the adaptation mechanism. When foliar feeding is used the content of biologically active substances in apples is the highest: content of vitamin C increases by 13.6 - 15.2%, vitamin Р - by 8.7 - 24.6%.

Influence of late season foliar application of urea, boric acid and zinc sulfate on nitrogenous compounds concentration in the bud and flower of Hayward kiwifruit

Abstract Proper management of late season mineral nutrition and improving nitrogenous reserves in kiwifruit vines can result in efficient growth and yield in the following season. This experiment investigated the influence of late season foliar application type and time on the content of total nitrogen, total protein, total free amino acid, and individual amino acids of bud and flower and consequently vegetative and reproductive growth of Hayward kiwifruit in next spring. The orchard was located in Vajargah, Guilan province, Iran, with an average annual rainfall and temperature 1147 mm and 15.7 °C, respectively. Foliar application of mineral nutrients included urea (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%), zinc sulfate (1000, 1500 and 2000 mg l−1) and boric acid (500, 1000 and 1500 mg l−1) alone and in combined treatments as urea (0.25%) + H3BO3 (500 mg l−1) + ZnSO4 (1000 mg l−1); urea (0. 5%) + H3BO3 (1000 mg l−1) + ZnSO4 (1500 mg l−1); urea (1%) + H3BO3 (1500 mg l−1) + ZnSO4 (2000 mg l−1). The experimental treatments were conducted in 8 years old kiwifruit vines in late growing season. To determine appropriate time for late season foliar application, fertilization was performed in middle September, early and late October, 96, 75 and 54 days before the beginning of the winter dormancy, respectively. Samples were taken from buds at two stages: before leaf abscission and again during dormancy. Flower sampling was taken at the full bloom stage. Results indicated that 33.65 and 35.75 percentages of increases in dormant bud and flower nitrogen concentrations were achieved by combined foliar application of urea (1%), zinc sulfate (2000 mg l-1) and boric acid (1500 mg l-1) compared to control vines. Moreover, urea (1%) + H3BO3 (1500 mg l−1) + ZnSO4 (2000 mg l−1) treatment increased total protein, free amino acid and most individual amino acid concentration in analyzed tissue, however this significantly consistent elevation in almost all measured parameters was not found in other fertilization treatments. Interestingly, this treatment improved 14.51% leaf area and 22.21% fruit seed number in next growing season compared to control vines. Considering all measured parameters, late October was the best late season foliar application time. Based on our findings, late season mineral foliar application, especially urea (1%) + H3BO3 (1500 mg l−1) + ZnSO4 (2000 mg l−1), in late October can improve all nitrogenous compounds concentration in bud and flower tissues, as well as increase seed number and consequently fruit weight and grower income in the next growing season.

Late-season foliar application of mineral compounds effects on postharvest quality of Hayward kiwifruit

BACKGROUND: Late-season foliar application of mineral nutrients is a strategy to achieve higher flower quality, acceptable fruit set and yield in the following spring. However, these treatments may affect current fruit quality and storability. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to consider the effects of different late-season mineral foliar treatments on postharvest quality of kiwifruit that was presented on vines at the time of foliar application. METHODS: Mineral foliar treatments were included urea (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%), zinc sulfate (1000, 1500 and 2000 mg.l–1) and boric acid (500, 1000 and 1500 mg.l–1) alone and combined treatments with urea (0.25%) + H3BO3 (500 mg.l–1) + ZnSO4 (1000 mg.l–1); urea (0. 5%) + H3BO3 (1000 mg.l–1) + ZnSO4 (1500 mg.l–1); urea (1%) + H3BO3 (1500 mg.l–1) + ZnSO4 (2000 mg.l–1) and control group (only water). To determine the best foliar application time in late-season, spraying was done at three different times including September 17, October 7 and October 28 and the fruits postharvest traits were analyzed at harvest time and 90 days after storage. RESULTS: In this study, foliar applications of mineral compounds was not shown any negative effect on the fruits quality parameters, but also in some of these treatments positive effect of foliar application were detected on measured parameters. The best performance of foliar application on visible parameters was observed on September 17. Meanwhile, the soluble solids and titratable acidity content was not affected at harvest and after storage time by foliar treatment. Results of this study indicate that dry matter, color indices, and phenol levels were not affected by experimental treatments after storage time. In general, October 7 was indicated as the best spraying time regards into ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, mineral foliar application can improve appearance characteristics, and nutritional value of kiwifruit that presented on vines at the foliar application time, on September 17 and October 7, respectively.

Seed reproduction traits of alpine plants depend on soil enrichment

Changes in parameters of seed reproduction in response to 15-year application of mineral nutrients in different variants (N, P, NP, Ca) and irrigation (variant Н2О) were studied in 12 alpine plant species from four communities of the Northwestern Caucasus. No increase in seed production, compared to control, was revealed in any of the species. The number of generative shoots was found to decrease in the majority of species, increasing only in Leontodon hispidus in Р and in Festuca varia in NP treatment. Seed harvest increased significantly in four species—Festuca varia (Ca, P, N, NP treatments), Leontodon hispidus (H2O, Ca, P), Geranium gymnocaulon (Ca, P, NP), and Sibbaldia procumbens (P)—and decreased in seven species.

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

ABSTRACTFoliar 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.

Metabolic profiling of sapota fruit cv. Cricket ball grown under foliar nutrition, irrigation and water deficit stress

The study was aimed at assessing the fruit quality of sapota (Manilkara achras L.,) grown under foliar nutrition, irrigation and water deficit stress. Metabolomics approach was employed to distinguish fruit quality characteristics and the data was subjected to Principal Component Analysis. Results showed that the metabolomics approach is a valuable tool in distinguishing fruit quality characteristics of sapota grown under different water and nutrient regimes and Principal Component Analysis was effective in identification of key factors determining fruit quality. Foliar application of mineral nutrients in the preharvest phase of fruit development was more effective, efficient and economical compared to conventional soil application of nutrients and irrigation for producing sapota fruits of superior quality. Fruits provided with foliar nutrition also showed increased levels of essential mineral nutrients and health promoting phytochemicals compared to fruits from control and irrigated trees. The study confirmed that foliar nutrition requiring minimum amount of nutrients, water and labor is an effective strategy which could be applied routinely by orchardists to improve fruit quality of sapota grown under water-limiting conditions.