Yield and quality attributes of pomegranate under Karewa environment of Kashmir valley as affected by pre-harvest chemicals application

Abstract

The effect of pre-harvest foliar spray of plant growth regulator and nutrients on fruit yield and quality attributes was studied in five pomegranate varieties (Dholka, Bedana, Kandhari, Jyoti and G-137) at experimental farm of Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (Srinagar) during 2009–2011. Plants were sprayed with CaSO4 (2000, 3000, 4000 ppm), Borax (25, 50, 75 ppm;), GA3 (40, 80, 120 ppm) and control (water spray) at fruit set and at active fruit development stage. All the treatments resulted in increased in yield and quality as compared to control except fruit weight and juice content. Plant sprayed with GA3 (80 ppm) exhibited maximum fruit diameter (87.24 mm), fruit weight (291.00 g), which resulted highest fruit yield of (11.67 t/ha) as against in the control (7.97t/ha). Fruit quality parameters such as TSS, TSS/acid ratio, reducing sugar, total sugar and juice content was recorded in plant sprayed with Borax (50 ppm) in all the varieties, titrable acidity was not affected by chemical treatments and varieties however maximum ascorbic acid was observed in CaSO4 (3000 ppm). Results indicated that GA3 (80 ppm) was better for higher yield; however fruit quality in terms of TSS, TSS/acid ratio, reducing sugar, total sugar was better with Borax (50 ppm) in selected varieties under karewa environment of Kashmir valley.