FOLIAR APPLICATION OF CALCIUM NITRATE, BORIC ACID AND GIBBERELLIC ACID AFFECTS YIELD AND QUALITY OF POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.)

Abstract

Effect of two doses of calcium nitrate (2 and 4%), boric acid (1.5 and 3%) and GA3 (50 and 75 ppm) on yield, fruit characteristics, cracking and sunburn of pomegranate cv. Hicaznar was carried out in a commercial orchard. Calcium nitrate, boric acid and GA3 applications have been done during blossoming period and one month after blossom-ing. The fruit yield has been increased by both doses of calcium nitrate and the 3% boric acid dose in the first year while GA3’s 50 ppm dose had an improving effect in the second year. In the first year, all treatments increased the average fruit weight while in the second year only the 2% calcium nitrate and 3% boric acid were found to be effective. The 3% boric acid treatments reduced the rate of cracking of the fruits in first year and in the sec-ond year all treatments reduced cracking and the best results were obtained in the applica-tions of GA3 and calcium nitrate. The 4% calcium nitrate application reduced the sunburn in the pomegranate fruits and 2% calcium nitrate application increased the amount of the total soluble solids.

Keywords

• fruit cracking
• L.
• sunburn
• vitamin C