Effect of foliar nutrition and growth regulators on nutrient status and fruit quality of Eureka lemon (Citrus limon)

Abstract

Studies were conducted to standardize the doses of nutrients and growth regulators for improving the fruit quality of lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f.] cultivar Eureka while maintaining the plant nutrient status. The experiment comprised twelve foliar applications consisting of 6%, 8% and 10% potassium sulphate; 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% calcium chloride; 20 ppm, 30 ppm and 40 ppm 2,4-D and 20 ppm, 30 ppm, 40 ppm naphthalene acetic acid. Potassium and calcium content in leaf and fruit of Eureka lemon was influenced by foliar application of nutrients and growth regulators. Among different nutrients and growth regulators, 10% potassium sulphate and 1.0% calcium chloride reduced fruit cracking and improved the fruit quality of Eureka lemon. Maximum potassium content in leaf and fruit was recorded with foliar application of 10% potassium sulphate and maximum calcium content in leaf and fruit was recorded with the foliar sprays of 1.0% calcium chloride. Two time application of 40 ppm NAA resulted in the most effective treatment for minimizing fruit cracking and improving the fruit quality as compared to the other treatments in Eureka lemon.

Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of fruit cracking: A review

“…Third type content of fruits during its growth and development to a greater extent. Gibberellins (GA 3 ) can promote the cell wall growth and extension, which could inhibit the incidence of fruit cracking (Devi et al 2018). During the young fruit development period, foliar application of GA 3 could increase fruit size, peel thickness and fruit quality, along with this GA 3 could reduce the pectin methylesterase activity, thus decrease the occurrence of fruit cracking (Sandhu and Bal 2014).…”

“…Citrus cultivars in which natural endogenous hormonal synthesizing mechanism is lacking are more prone to split. Application of GA 3 to split prone species reduces the senescence of rind and makes the fruit less susceptible to cracking in Eureka lemon (Devi et al 2018). In citrus, GA 3 increases rind resistance to avoid pressure and reduces chlorophyll breakdown that indicates delay of senescence.…”