Yield and quality of apple (Malus domestica) cv. Red Delicious

Abstract

Four different fertilizer regimes, viz. F1 (75 % NPK as chemical fertilizer + 25% NPK as organic manure), F2 (50% NPK as chemical fertilizer + 25% NPK as organic manure), F3 (25% NPK as chemical fertilizer + 75% NPK as organic manure) and F4 (25% NPK as chemical fertilizer + 50% NPK as organic manure) were tested on apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) along with two phosphate solublizing inoculants, viz. PSB (P 1) and VAM (P2) and two nitrogen fixing inoculants, viz. Azotobacter (N1) and Azospirillum (N2). Maximum fruit yield (77.67 kg/tree) and fruit set (49.63%) were recorded in treatment F 1P2N1 whereas, highest fruit retention (29.87%) was recorded in treatment F1P2N1. Maximum TSS (14.27%) and total sugars (4.30%) were observed in treatment F3P 2N1. Among all treatments, treatment F3P 2N1 showed highest increase in physical characteristics of fruits, viz. fruit weight (180.03g), fruit length (7.17 cm), fruit breadth (7.14 cm) and fruit volume (193.21 cm3). Amongst nitrogen fixing inoculants, Azotobacter was more effective and amongst phosphate solublizing inoculants, VAM proved to be more effective. With respect to different fertilizer regimes used, F1 (75% NPK as chemical fertilizer + 25% NPK as organic manure) was more effective in enhancing yield, quality and nutrient use efficiency. However, among different treatment combinations, F 1P2N1 was most effective and desirable treatment combination for higher yield and better quality of fruit.