Foliar Fertilizer Application Research Articles

Peculiarities of the influence of fertilizer and foliar feeding systems on the growth and development of potato plants

The research involved the studying the impact of different fertilization systems, which were balanced among themselves in terms of nutrients with foliar application of liquid organic-mineral fertilizers, on the growth processes of potato plants. The research methodology included the study of the following indicators: the number of stems, plants height, leaf surface formation. The research was carried out during 2014–2017 on the basis of the experimental plot of the Polissia National University. The experimental design involved the study of four fertilization options with the application of liquid organic-mineral fertilizers «Mochevyn K №1», «Mochevyn K No 2», «Organic D2M» and «Humate potassium» in the form of foliar application. As a result of the research it was found that plant development improves in variants with fertilizers application the number of stems increased from 61 to 84 stems on average over the years of the study, in particular under the organic fertilization system compared to the biological control. The use of liquid organic-mineral fertilizers (LOMF) contributed to an increase in the number of stems in the ranged from 66 to 89 compared to the biological control. Plant height analysis by development phases: mass budding, mass flowering and the end of flowering showed that fertilizers application had a positive effect on the increase in plant height, in particular under different fertilization systems plants height in the phase of the end of flowering increased from 6.2 to 8 cm. LOMF application contributed to an increase in plant height by 6.9–10.2 cm compared to the biological control. The highest indicators of the potato leaf surface area on average over the years of the study were formed in the phase of full emergence under the organic-mineral fertilization system – 5.01 thousand m2/ha and mineral fertilization systems, where this indicator was 4.98 thousand m2/ha. Foliar application of LOMF had a positive effect on the formation of the leaf surface area under the organic-mineral system of fertilization and the combined application of «Humate potassium» and «Organic D2M» and provided variability within 5.07 thousand m2/ha and 5.04 thousand m2/ha respectively. During the flowering phase the leaf surface area of potato plants under different fertilization systems increased by 7.1–10.3 thousand m2 /ha compared to the absolute control variant. The joint combination of fertilization systems and LOMF during the flowering phase increased the leaf surface area by 9.08–12 thousand m2 /ha. Key words: fertilization system, liquid organic-mineral fertilizers, potatoes, leaf surface area.

Metabolome and transcriptome analyses provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the enhancement of medicinal component content in the roots of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms through foliar application of zinc fertilizer.

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms is a perennial shrub of the Acanthopanax genus in the Araliaceae family and has a high medicinal value. The application of zinc fertilizer can improve the yield and quality of medicinal materials. However, there are limited reports on approaches to increase the content of medicinal components in A. senticosus, hindering the improvement of its medicinal quality. In this study, A. senticosus was treated with 0.1% (LZn) and 0.4% (HZn) zinc sprayed on the leaf surface. The effects of zinc treatment on the medicinal components in the roots of A. senticosus were analyzed by comprehensive metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses. A total of 316 metabolites were detected, with a prevailing occurrence of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. We identified metabolites related to the medicinal components that were upregulated after Zn treatment, including 43 terpenoids, 19 phenylpropanoids, eight phenols, and three flavonoids. Combining differential gene expression and K-means analysis, we found 95, 65, and 25 upregulated genes related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, terpenoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis, respectively. Under different concentrations of Zn treatment, the upregulated metabolite biosynthesis-related genes and differentially expressed transcription factors varied. Pearson correlation network analysis revealed significant correlations among terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids biosynthetic genes, and several transcription factors (ERFs, WRKYs, bHLHs, NACs, and MYBs). This study lays the foundation for understanding the metabolic processes in response to varying levels of zinc foliar spray and provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the efficiency of zinc fertilizer utilization in A. senticosus.

Effect of Foliar Application of Water-Soluble Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Direct fertilizer application to leaves stimulates leaf activity, which directly affects the plant's water uptake and promotes root growth. Foliar fertilizers can therefore hasten the uptake of nutrients from the soil, which is advantageous for plants that need urgent nutrient intervention. A field experiment was carried out at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during rabi season of 2019-20 to evaluate effect of foliar spray of water-soluble fertilizers on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield. The experimental trial consists of 12 treatments with 3 replication and randomized block design. The results of the experiment revealed that the growth parameters viz., plant height and number of effective tillers metre-1 row length at harvest increased significantly with the application of T2 + foliar spray of 19:19:19 @ 0.5% at 60 DAS & 90 days after sowing (DAS) whereas plant population were not affect significantly by application of different treatments. There was also significant improvement in grain and straw yields were observed with the application of T8 over 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 100% RDF.

Influence of Interaction between Fertilizer and Micronutrient Spray on Growth, Yield and Quality of Guava under Ultra High Density Orcharding System

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) on a 5-year-old guava orchard of cv. Sardar was planted at a spacing of 1.0 m x 2.0 m in Ranchi. The objective of this investiation was to know the influence of interaction between the basal and foliar application of fertilizers of guava cv. Sardar under ultra-high-density planting system in eastern plateau and hill conditions. The experiments were set up in a split-plot design with four fertilizer doses 100%NPK i.e.580 g N, 270 g P, 400g K/plant; 60%NPK i.e. 348gN, 162gP, 240g K/plant; 40%NPK i.e. 232gN,180gP 160g K/plant; 20%NPK i.e.116gN 54gP 80g K/plant as main plots and four different foliar sprays as boric acid (0.4%), zinc sulphate (0.2%), boric acid (0.4%) + zinc sulphate (0.2%) and water spray as subplots with four replications. The NPK fertilizer dose was applied at an interval of every two months from June 12 to April 14 (A total of twelve times/ two year) in a 1m radius around the tree trunk (drip line of trees). The foliar application of micronutrients was sprayed at the rate of 750 ml/ tree at flowering and fruit set stage during June 12 and August 14 (Total of Four times/ two years). In our two-year study, the experimental results indicated that 60% NPK fertilizer dose resulted in maximum trunk girth (55.33 mm) and girth of primary branches (43.77mm), while, a maximum per cent increase in trunk girth (15.81%) and girth of primary branches (18.62%) were recorded in 100% NPK fertilizer dose. However the maximum number of flowers per plant (18.66), number of fruit per plant (17.10) and fruit weight/ plant (3.65kg/plant) were recorded in 100%NPK fertilizer dose, which was at par with 60% NPK Fertilizer dose.

Biofortification of different maize cultivars with zinc, iron and selenium by foliar fertilizer applications.

Fertilizer-based biofortification is a strategy for combating worldwide malnutrition of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se). Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of foliar treatments on concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, N and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in grains of three maize cultivars grown at three locations. We compared the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), Zn complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs), conventional ZnSO4 and a cocktail solution (containing Zn, Fe and Se). All treatments were foliar-applied at rate of 452 mg Zn L-1, plus urea. Applying ten-fold less Zn (at rate of 45.2 mg Zn L-1) plus urea in the form of ZnO-NPs, Zn-CNPs, or ZnSO4 resulted in no increase, or a negligible increase, in grain Zn concentration compared with deionized water. By contrast, among the different Zn sources plus urea applied by foliar sprays, conventional ZnSO4 was the most efficient in improving grain Zn concentration. Furthermore, foliar application of a cocktail solution effectively improved grain concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se and N simultaneously, without a grain yield trade-off. For example, the average grain concentrations were simultaneously increased from 13.8 to 22.1 mg kg-1 for Zn, from 17.2 to 22.1 mg kg-1for Fe, from 21.4 to 413.5 ug kg-1 for Se and from 13.8 to 14.7g kg-1 for N by foliar application of a cocktail solution. Because grain yield was significantly negatively correlated with grain nutrient concentrations, the magnitude of increase in grain concentrations of Zn and Fe was most pronounced in the maize cultivar with the lowest grain yield (Zhengdan958 grown in Linyi). Foliar application of a cocktail solution also significantly decreased the phytic acid (PA) concentration, ratios of PA/Fe and PA/Zn in grains, indicating an increased bioavailability of Fe and Zn for human health. In conclusion, we found that a foliar application of a cocktail solution including Zn, Fe, Se and N was most effective for biofortification, but that the grains with the lowest yield contained the greatest concentration of these elements. This finding highlights the need to breed maize varieties that are capable of achieving both high grain yield and high grain nutritional quality to address food security and human health challenges.

Growth and yield of soybean plants under water deficit and application of foliar fertilizer

The objective of this work was to assess the effects of a commercial foliar fertilizer (H2 Protector; H2 Agrosciences, Orizona, Brazil) on growth and yield of soybean plants grown under water deficit. The experiment was conducted for 105 days from November 2021 to February 2022 in a greenhouse at the State University of Goiás, in Ipameri, GO, Brazil. A completely randomized design was used, with a 2×5 factorial arrangement and three replications. The first factor consisted of foliar fertilizer rates (0 and 300 mL ha-1), and the second factor consisted of water depths applied to the plants (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of the daily evapotranspiration). Morphological variables and agronomic components of the crop were analyzed at 60 and 90 days after emergence. Water deficit at the R5 reproduction stage limits the growth and yield of soybean plants. The important results found for vegetative and reproductive growth of plants treated with the foliar fertilizer were due to the greater number of leaves and transpiration of these plants, even under water deficit, denoting a higher photosynthetic potential. The foliar fertilizer did not mitigate water deficit effects on soybean plants grown in pots, but denoted potential for mitigation of damages in the field

Growth of Zamia Leaf Cuttings (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) with the Application of Auxin Hormone and Foliar Fertilizer on Water Media

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is an ornamental aroid plant that can be propagated vegetatively through leaf, stem, and petiole cuttings. Cultivation efforts are needed to increase the viability of cuttings as well as faster root and shoot induction, one of which is by using planting media and adding ZPT. This study aims to determine the effect of the application of the hormone auxin and foliar fertilizer on the growth of zamia leaf cuttings in aqueous media. The research was carried out at the Stiper Agricultural Institute, Yogyakarta, from June 1 to August 10, 2021. The method used was a factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor is the concentration of the auxin hormone which consists of 3 levels, namely 0; 2.5; and 5 ppm. The second factor is the concentration of foliar fertilizer consisting of 4 levels, namely 0; 0.25; 0.5; and 0.75 g/l. The results showed that the 0.25 ppm auxin treatment was able to induce root elongation. Foliar fertilizers have an important influence on root formation, keeping the cuttings green, tuber induction, shoot growth percentage, and the addition of fresh weight. The most optimal concentration of foliar fertilizer is 0.5 g/l.

The Effect of Gamma Irradiation, Salinity and Nano-Fertilizer on the Biological Parameters of Brassica napus L. Cultivated in Iraq

Canola (Brassica napus L) is currently one of the most significant oily seeds. It has a variety of nutrients, and its oil is safe for people to ingest as well as medicinal properties that help to relieve the symptoms of a variety of disorders. Soil salinity is one of the major issues of decreasing canola crop productivity that correlated with declines in the photosynthetic potential, since salt levels that are damaging to crop growth affect large terrestrial regions around the world are seriously impaired by soil salinity this research focused on the capability of canola seeds to grow under saline environment before and after gamma irradiation. Also, the most recent study intended to employ nano-fertilizer in Iraq and characterize its influence on the chemical makeup of canola seeds. Simple technique employed as a tissue culture using ground water with different EC. Seeds treated by two gamma irradiation dose and grown over cotton irrigated with salty water. Field experiment was carried out in Al-zafraniya station in Baghdad, Iraq, to investigate the effect of khazra iron nano chelate fertilizer foliar application on one rapeseed variety for increasing yield and yield components. The native local variety pactol was more reliable than olifera var at germination rate, plant high, number of leave and root. Irradiation negatively affects the biological parameter of Canola seeds with capablity to germinate and developed. Percentage of fatty acids significantly differed between fertilizer treatments. The myristic (C14:0) ranged from 0.1±0.012 to 0.14±0.011, Palmitic (16:0) from 3.6±0.024 to 3.91±0.029, 3.91±0.029 from 1.5±0.11 to 1.7±0.012, Arachidic (20:0) from 0.6±0.038 to 0.84±0.065, Behenic (22:0) range from 0.3±0.0028 to 0.41±0.032, Lignoceric (24:0) from 0.2±0.012 to 0.27±0.018, Palmitoleic (16:1) from 0.2±0.010 to 0.26±0.0021, Oleic (18:1) from 61.6±5.78 to 67.8±5.91, 67.8±5.91 from 1.4±0.13 to 1.64±0.15, Erucic (22:1) from 0.2±0.014 to 0.23±0.019, Linoleic (18:2n-6) from 21.7±3.1 to 23.4±3.7, Alpha Linolenic (18:3n3) from 9.6±0.87 to 10.1±2.8, Total Saturated from 6.3±5.4 to 6.8±4.9, Total MUFA was in the rangier from 62.4±7.1 to 64.5±7.1 and Total PUFA range from 31.3±4.1 to 37.4±5.1 for conventional canola and nano canola oils respectively.

Performance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) as influenced by application of farm manures and foliar fertilizers

Performance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) as influenced by application of farm manures and foliar fertilizers

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN MULSA DAN BEBERAPA JENIS PUPUK DAUN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TERUNG (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant is a type of vegetable that is used as an ingredient in vegetables or fresh vegetables. The nutritional content of eggplant is very high, especially the content of vitamin A and phosphorus. However, eggplant productivity has decreased along with the lack of nutrients absorbed. Therefore, mulch and foliar fertilizer are the right innovations to be applied to support the eggplant. The existence of mulch to suppress the growth of weeds and the availability of nutrients N, P, and K in the soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of mulch and foliar fertilizer to the growth and production of eggplant plants. This research was conducted in Banjarejo Village, Kedungpring District, Lamongan Regency. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with a factorial pattern with 3 replications, consisting of 2 factors, namely: type of mulch (M) and leaf fertilizer (D). The first factor consisted of 3 types of mulch, namely: no mulch (M0), straw mulch (M1) and silver black plastic mulch (M2). The second factor of foliar fertilizer consisted of 3 levels, namely: growmore foliar fertilizer (D1), mamigro foliar fertilizer (D2), and gandasil D (M3) leaf fertilizer. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the application of mulch and foliar fertilizers on the growth and production of eggplant plants had an interaction between the treatment of mulch and foliar fertilizers on plant height (42 DAP), fruit diameter, plant weight, and fruit weight per hectare at the age of 77 DAP. The application of black silver plastic mulch and mamigro leaf fertilizer got the best results on the parameters of plant height, fruit diameter, plant weight and fruit weight per hectare.

Effects of SeNPs Fertilizer on Se and Microelement Contents, Eating and Cooking Qualities, and Volatile Organic Compounds in Rice Grains

Foliar application of selenium (Se) fertilizer has been widely used in the production of Se-rich rice. However, the effect of Se-nanoparticles (SeNPs) fertilizer on rice quality remains largely unknown. Two bioSeNPs fertilizers were applied at different Se concentrations to explore the effect of the foliar application of SeNPs fertilizer on various rice grain qualities. The results showed that Se treatments resulted in 1.93–9.09 and 1.89–7.73 folds of total Se contents in brown and polished rice relative to the CK, respectively. Moreover, the Se treatments led to 1.04–2.33 folds increases in Cd contents, 14.6–26.4% decreases in As contents, a 13.9–16.7% reduction in Cr contents and no changes in Pb contents to that of the CK in rice grains. In addition, SeNPs exhibited no obvious impact on rice eating and cooking quality, and only the XY1 treatment could slightly improve the fatty acid content. Interestingly, Se treatments enhanced the contents of more than half of volatile organic compounds in brown rice. In general, SeNPs fertilizer XY at 6.4 g/ha was identified as the optimum choice for improvement in grain Se contents and grain qualities.

Effect of combined application of herbicides and foliar fertilizers on growth, development and yield of Knezha 509 maize hybrid

In 2020 and 2021, a block trial was conducted with two herbicide preparations and four foliar feeding products for maize. The studies were carried out with maize, hybrid Knezha 509, grown under non-irrigated conditions after a wheat predecessor. The effect of the combined application of the herbicide preparations Stomp new 330 EK and Hemniko 24 SK and of the foliar microelement fertilizers for maize, Amalgerol, Vertex high N-34 and Foliar extra was studied. The influence of the studied treatment systems on maize height and grain yield was established. For the conditions of the experiment, the plants treated with a tank mixture of Hemniko 24 SC at a dose of 21 ml/da and Amalgerol at a dose of 500 ml/da had the highest height. The increase compared to economic control is 6.46% (for 2020) and 7.3% (for 2021). The highest grain yield (average for the study period) – 643.9 kg/da was obtained from the same variant of the experiment, and the increase compared to the economic control was 12.91%.

Effects of Media Combination and Fertilization Frequency on Growth and Yield of Pakcoy

The demand for pakcoy continues to increase as more people must be aware of their nutritional needs. One important factor in pakcoy cultivation is the use of planting media. The main objective was to find out the best media combination and frequency to apply fertilizers for efficiency in intensive growing. The research was conducted in Cikabayan, IPB Bogor using RAL Factorial with six treatment combination and three replications. The first factor was media combination (rice husk, cocopeat, and compost), while the second factor was fertilization frequency (every week and every two weeks). Parameters observation consists of vegetative growth (plant height, number of leaves wide and length of leaves, and width of the stump) and plant production (wet weight and weight suitable for consumption). Research results indicated that planting media combination of rice husk and compost (1:1) gave a better result than other treatments in increasing leaf length (11.36 cm) and wet weight (47.12 grams). The frequency of application of foliar fertilizer had no different effect on pakcoy growth and yield and no interaction significantly between media combination and fertilization frequency.

Effects of Silicon Application and Groundwater Level in a Subirrigation System on Yield of a Three-Cut Meadow

The increasing demand for food and animal products makes it important to ensure that animals have sufficient fodder obtained from grassland. Unfortunately, there has been a recent decline in grassland areas, which makes it essential to find solutions to increase the grassland’s productivity and the quality of the fodder it yields. One of these solutions may be the use of appropriate irrigation and fertilization. The present study investigated the effect of the foliar application of silicon fertilizer and the groundwater level in a subirrigation system on the yield of a three-cut meadow. Four different experimental plots were used: high groundwater level (HWL), high groundwater level with silicon application (HWL_Si), lower groundwater level (LWL), and lower groundwater level with silicon application (LWL_Si). The analyses showed that silicon significantly reduced the amount of dry matter obtained in each of the three meadow cuts during the year. Furthermore, the plot with a higher groundwater level had an annual yield of 12.69 Mg·ha−1, whereas when silicon was applied to this area, it was 10.43 Mg·ha−1 (17.8% reduction in dry matter). A similar trend was noted at lower water levels, in which silicon also caused a dry matter reduction. However, the experiment did not indicate a statistically significant effect of silicon application on plant height and NDVI values. These results show that further research is still needed to better understand silicon’s effect on meadow sward.

From the wild to the field: effect of foliar or soil application of inorganic or semi-organic fertilizers on various parameters of four local endemic plant species of Crete (Greece)

Domestication of wild plant species of interest coupled with introduction of pilot cultivation practices and appropriate fertilization schemes could be an efficient alternative for addressing sustainable exploitation needs of threatened and/or declining wild phytogenetic resources. In this field study focusing on four threatened wild-growing plants (Carlina diae, Origanum dictamnus, Origanum microphyllum, and Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca) confined to Crete (local endemics), the effects of three types of fertilization (inorganic, plain semi-organic or co-applied with commercial biostimulants based on edible raw plant materials) by two methods (foliar/soil application) on plants’ growth were investigated. Specifically, plant parameters such as aboveground biomass yield, content and uptake of nutrients by plants as well as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization were evaluated. Results revealed a distinction in plants’ multi-elemental stoichiometry, except in the case of Origanum species, in which the variance of their ionomics showed a significant overlap. The elements most closely related to yield were K and Zn, while Pearson tests showed various correlations between studied essential nutrients. Among them, the positive correlations between B and Ca, and Mg (with r value up to 0.9 at p ≤ 0.001, in all studied species except O. dictamnus); the negative correlations between K and Mg (in O. dictamnus and S. syriaca subsp. Syriaca, r = − 0.5 at p ≤ 0.001); and the positive correlation patterns between Fe and Mn, or Cu and Zn, respectively (in all studied species) , were observed. Biostimulant application alone or in combination with semi-organic fertilizers increased the yield of C. diae (up to 161%) and of the two Origanum species studied (up to 70% and 68% for O. dictamnus and for O. microphyllum, respectively), while inorganic fertilization was beneficial for S. syriaca subsp. syriaca (up to 170% increase) and O. microphyllum (up to 79% increase). However, no solid conclusions could be derived in respect of the preference of the four species for any fertilizers' application method (foliar or by soil).

Droplet Deposition of Leaf Fertilizers Applied by an
 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Coffea Canephora Plants

The yield of coffee plants depends on several factors, and the leaf nutrition is one of the most important. The form of application of leaf fertilizers used is expensive considering the application efficacy and the efficacy of adherence and absorption of nutrients. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of configurations of operational parameters of centrifugal nozzle rotation and operational height on the application efficacy and efficacy of absorption of leaf fertilizers in Conilon coffee plants. The coverage, density, and deposition of spray droplets were efficacy parameters evaluated through water-sensitive paper tags and artificial targets. The efficacy of the macronutrients applied was confirmed through leaf analyses at 15 and 30 days after application. The application efficacy with a height of flight of 2.0 m and rotation of 10,000 rpm was the most adequate, with coverage of 12.4% and density of droplets of 127 droplets cm−2. The application of foliar fertilizers by UAV provided a distribution in newer leaves in which the absorption of macronutrients was greater, and the flight height of 2.0 m and rotation of the centrifugal nozzle of 10,000 rpm resulted in the best efficacy parameters.

Nutrient requirement of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivated on marginal land of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

The study aimed to investigate the peculiarities of the nutrient requirement of switchgrass cultivated on marginal land under the application of lime, adsorbent and foliar application of fertilizers in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine. The experiment was conducted in the Uladivka-Liulyntsi Experimental Breeding Station of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet National Academy of Agrarian Sciences in 2019−2022. The soil of the experimental field was deep, leached, sandy, medium-loamy chernozem with low humus content in the 0−30 cm layer (3.9 %). Mineral nitrogen content was as following: 16.4 mg/kg (nitrate) and 38.7 mg/kg (ammonium). Mbile phosphorusav ailability was low (8.3 mg/kg), while the content of exchange potassium was high −10.3 mg/kg. Soil pH was 5.1, and hydrolytic acidity was high − 4.2 mg eq/100 g. Application of lime (25 % of the required rate), MaxiMarin granulated adsorbent and foliar fertilizer aimed at the alleviation of plant stress related to soil acidity and formation of high productivity of plantations taking into account nutrient removal with harvested biomass. In the experiment, the nitrogen removal was 57.5 kg/ha, phosphorus 39.3 kg/ha and potassium 118.7 kg/ha, while 25.0 kg/ha of nitrogen, 17.6 kg/ha of phosphorus and 55.8 kg/ha of potassium was returned to the soil with harvest residues. The application of the studied agronomic practices led to an increase in both the removal and recycling of nutrients. In the 4th vegetation season, nutrient recycling of switchgrass (% to the nutrient removal) made up 43.6 % of nitrogen, 44.7 % of phosphorus and 47.0 % of potassium from the total removal of the crop were returned to the soil. Key words: liming, adsorbent, foliar application of fertilizers.

CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF MAIZE GROWING IN UKRAINE

Over the past decades, the area of corn sowing in Ukraine has more than doubled and is now about 5 million. The analysis of statistical data shows that from 2011 to 2022, the sowing and harvesting area in Ukraine increased from 3,543.7 thousand ha to 4,200 thousand ha. Analyzing the level of grain yield from 2011 to 2022, it should be noted that favorable hydrothermal conditions occurred in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 − respectively 6.6; 7.84; 7.19; 8.01 t/ha. The years 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020 were less favorable for the hydrothermal regime,the level of corn productivity was 4.79; 5.71; 5.51; 5.62 t/ha. 2018 - 35,801 thousand tons, 2019 - 35,880 thousand tons, and 2021 - 39,819 thousand tons turned out to be record-breaking for the production of gross corn grain, which is primarily due to the level of yield of corn hybrids in these years. One of the important factors in the formation of a high yield of corn is the plant nutrition system, in which the share of influence is 30-40%. A number of domestic and foreign scientists in different soil and climatic zones investigated the effectiveness of the corn fertilization system due to the main and foliar application of mineral fertilizers and microfertilizers. However, such studies must be improved taking into account new forms, application rates, terms of application according to the stages of organogenesis and maturity groups of corn hybrids and their biological requirements. So, with the aim of optimizing the technological methods of growing corn and finding ways to increase the productivity level, we have established a three-factor field experiment: Factor A - hybrids: 1. DKS 3795 (FAO 250); 2. DKS 3972 (FAO 300); DKS 4351 (FAO 350).Factor B - sowing rates: 1. 60 thousand/ha; 2. 65 thousand/ha; 3. 70 thousand/ha. Factor C - Fertilizer: 1. Control (without fertilizer); 2. N-100, P-31 (background); 3. Background + Zinc sulfate; 4. Fon+ Ecoorganic Zinc; 5. Background + Zinc sulfate + Ecoorganic Zinc; 6. Background + Zinc sulfate + Ecoorganic Boron; 7. Background + Zinc sulfate + Eco-organic Zinc + Eco-organic Boron.

Effect of Different Foliar Fertilizer Applications on Esca Disease of Grapevine: Symptom Expression and Nutrient Content in the Leaf and Composition of the Berry

Esca disease, the most common grapevine wood disease in Europe, causes yield losses correlated with the foliar symptoms’ expression. In two vineyards located in the Abruzzo Region of Italy, each of which were investigated for esca symptoms after 1994, different applications of macro- and microelements were performed in two consecutive growing seasons. The main aim of the work consisted of verifying the effects of the fertilizer applications on the foliar symptoms’ expression, in order to deepen knowledge of the nature of the symptom, which is still unclear. For each treatment, in each year, the leaf content of macro- and microelements and the composition of berries and musts were assessed. The effects of these applications on vegetative growth and yield quantity were also verified. The trials were carried out on symptomatic, asymptomatic and apparently healthy vines. All applications, in particular those with microelements, increased the foliar symptoms’ expression, and a greater vegetative growth was detected only in vines treated with NPK fertilizers. The symptoms’ increase was always associated in the leaf with a decrease of calcium, and to a lesser extent, magnesium, reinforcing the hypothesis of the plant’s hypersensitive reaction in the development of foliar symptoms, given the role of calcium in the defense response. The vineyards were in nutritional balance regardless of the fertilizer applications. The general increase in foliar symptoms and the decrease in sugars in the musts of asymptomatic treated vines underlined the importance of the vegetative-productive balance, in Esca infected vineyards especially, in order to limit the symptoms’ expression and the decrease in yield.

Effect of mineral fertilizers on the taste qualities of apple varieties

This article presents the results of a 3-year research study into the effect of soil and foliar application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on the taste qualities of the Veniaminovskoe (Rvi6) and Sinap Orlovskii (3×) apple varieties bred at the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK). The assumption that varietal features are the most important factor that determines taste was confirmed. In addition, the influence of weather conditions of the growing season on the chemical composition of fruits was observed. Thus, the year of 2019 was characterized by the most favorable weather conditions of the growing season. In August, during fruit ripening, the optimum temperature and humidity regime had a positive effect on the accumulation of soluble solids, sugars, and titratable acids in both varieties under study. However, the varieties responded differently to the same doses of mineral fertilizers. The application of fertilizers had no significant impact on the content of the studied components and the sugar-acid ratio in Veniaminovskoe fruits. Conversely, Sinap Orlovsky was found to be responsive to this agricultural practice. In 2019, the joint application of triple foliar and soil fertilizing using N30K40, N60K80, and N90K120 in various doses had a positive effect on the reduction of titratable acidity in fruits of this variety. As a result, the sugar-acid ratio increased by 1.3–1.9 times. Over the entire study period (2017–2019), a significant decrease in the content of sugars in Sinap Orlovsky fruits was observed in the variant with additional foliar fertilizing compared to the control. During the study period, the high doses of N90K120 nitrogen and potassium fertilizers along with foliar application contributed to a significant increase in the sugar-acid ratio in Sinap Orlovsky fruits, which significantly exceeded the control.