Effect of different potassium fertilizer forms on yield, fruit quality and leaf mineral content of Zebda mango trees.
Taha R. A., Hassan H. S. A., Shaaban E. A.
Author Affiliation: Biotechnology Fruit Trees Labortary, Pomology Department, Agriculture and Biology Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
Middle East Journal of Scientific Research 21 : 518-524
Abstract : This study was carried out during 2011 and 2012 seasons on adult Zebda mango trees 18 years old grown in loamy sandy soil under basin irrigation system in a private farm at El-Sadat district, Minufiya Governorate, Egypt, to investigate the effect of different potassium forms application i.e. feldspar (4800 and 7200 g/tree), potassium carbonate (850 and 1275 g/tree), potassium citrate (1263 and 1895 g/tree) and mono potassium phosphate (1333 and 2000 g/tree) on leaf area, mineral content, fruits yield (kg/tree), fruit physical and chemical properties. Each potassium form was applied in two equal doses; the first rate was added at the second week of February and the second rate was added at the first week of June. Results indicated that all different potassium forms applications had a positive effect on leaf area, mineral content, yield (as number of fruits and kg/tree) and fruit physical and chemical characteristics in comparison with control. Potassium citrate at (1263 and 1895 g/tree) and mono potassium phosphate at (2000 g/tree) were the best treatments to increase leaf area and improve leaf mineral content. In addition, potassium citrate at (1895 g/tree) and potassium carbonate at (850 g/tree) were the most effective treatments in enhancing yield and improved fruit quality as well as physical and chemical properties.