EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF BORON AND ZINC ON … · season guava cv. L-49 37 FIGURE: 4.7 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken for first flowering (days) in

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF BORON AND

ZINC ON GROWTH, FRUITING, YIELD AND

QUALITY OF WINTER SEASON GUAVA

(Psidium guajava L.) cv.L-49

THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

Master of Science (Agriculture)

in

Horticulture

Supervisor Submitted by

Prof. B. K. Singh Tejraj Singh Hada

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE

INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY

VARANASI-221005

INDIA

I.D. No. H-11109 2013 Enrolment No. 332359




VARANASI – 221005

INDIA

Dr. B.K. Singh Professor

Ref. No:……………….. Date:………………..

CERTIFICATE

To

The Registrar (Academic)

Banaras Hindu University,

Varanasi - 221005.

Through: The Head, Department of Horticulture

Dear Sir,

I have great pleasure in forwarding the thesis entitled “Effect of

different levels of boron and zinc on growth, fruiting, yield and quality of

winter season guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49” submitted by Mr.

Tejraj Singh Hada (I.D. No. H-11109) in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Agriculture) in

Horticulture, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences,

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

This is to certify that this work has been carried out solely by

Mr. Tejraj Singh Hada under my guidance and data forming the basis of

this thesis, to the best of my knowledge are genuine and original.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

B. K. Singh

FORWARDED (Supervisor)

Mobile No.: +91-9415449216

Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on growth,

fruiting, yield and quality of winter season guava

(Psidium guajava L.) cv.L-49

By

Tejraj Singh Hada

THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

Master of Science (Agriculture) in

Horticulture




VARANASI-221005

I.D. No.: H-11109 2013 Enrolment No.: 332359

APPROVED BY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

1. Dr. B.K. Singh (Chairman and Supervisor)

Professor

Department of Horticulture

Institute of Agricultural Sciences,

Banaras Hindu University

2. Dr. Anand Kumar Singh (Member)

Associate Professor

Department of Horticulture



3. Dr. Vijai P. (Member)

Assistant Professor

Department of Plant Physiology



EXTERNAL EXAMINER:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With a deep sense of devotion I bow and pray to the feet of Lord Vishwanath who provided

me choicest, everlasting blessing to get an opportunity to study in Banaras Hindu University, the

dream of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ji, a great patriot, nobleman and patriarch of

this university.

With immense pleasure and profound sense of gratitude, indeed, I take this opportunity to

express my heartfelt and sincere thanks to my esteemed supervisor, Dr. B.K. Singh, Professor

Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, for his

meticulous guidance, indelible inspiration, persistent encouragement, ingenious suggestions, mellifluous

nature and indefatigable attitude. I will ever cherish the fatherly affection that he bestowed upon me

throughout my tenure as a student under him which helped me to cope with many difficult situations.

I am highly obliged to Dr. S.P. Singh, Professor Department of Horticulture for providing the

necessary research and academic facilities during the course of investigation.

I owe my sincere thanks to the members of my advisory committee, Dr. A.K. Singh, Associate

Professor Department of Horticulture and Dr. Vijai P, Assistant Professor Department of Plant

Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (U.P.) for their

critical suggestion, impeccable and benevolent guidance.

I extend my indebtedness to the Dr. A.K. Singh, Head Department of Horticulture, Dr. B.P.

Singh Professor, Dr. M.M. Syamal Professor and Dr. A.K. Pal Assistant Professor Department of

Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University for their discerning

comments, valuable suggestions, co-operations and helpful attitude towards me during the course of

investigation.

I feel paucity of words to express my gratefulness and warmest regard to all non teaching

staff members of the Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu

University for their timely help and co-operation during the course of my study.

With profound regards in a more personal sense, I owe deepest debts to my grandfather Late

Shri. Bheem Singh Hada, grandmother Smt.Draupdi kanwar, parents Shri Dilip kumar Hada and Smt.

Kamlesh Kanwar, and my uncle and aunty Shri Surendra Singh Hada and Smt. Saroj kanwar, Shri

Laxman Singh Hada and Smt. Chanchal Kanwar, Late Shri Mahendra Singh Hada and Smt. Hem

Kanwar, Shri Kishan Singh Hada and Smt. Rajni kanwar, Shri Rajkumar Hada and Smt. Rajesh

Kanwar, Nand Singh Hada and Smt. Manisha Kanwar and my lovely brothers Virendra, Raghuveer,

Govind, Bharat, Siddarth, Sudivya, Hanny, Mannu, and my lovely sisters Vandana, Kiran,

Shakuntala, Seema, Supriya, Shelly, Surbhi and Tannu for their consistent inspiration, unending love,

support and encouragement throughout my educational career.

Words are not enough to express my deep sense of honour, unbounded gratitude and sincere

regards to the family members who set the foundation and were always with me during my ups and

downs. I thank them once again because I would have never achieved this level of education without

their selfless sacrifices.

Without the help of seniors no one can learn the lesson of life and cannot teach the same to

loving juniors Santosh Sharma, Akshay Chittora, Yogendra Singh Tanwar and Vishnu Patidar so,

heartfelt and special thanks to my seniors Karma Beer Yadav, Pawan Singh Gurjar, Brij Bihari

Sharma, Rajkumar and Manju for their co-operation during the study and investigation.

The words are inadequate to express my feelings to my batchmets Kulveer Singh Yadav,

Akhilesh Patel, Rupam Kumar Dutta, B.N. Swamy, Prashant Singh Bhadauriya, Rajesh and Kailash

Sati for their immense love and affection which always animated me to face challenges.

Before pen down, I once again confess that I do not know how to acknowledge the help and

co-operation of my Supervisor, members of advisory committee, family members and relatives, seniors,

juniors, colleagues but above feelings are followed from the core of my heart in the shape of words and

as gospel truth.

The graces of the God are always blessed to me and give me patience and power to overcome

the difficulties which came my way in accomplishment of this endeavour. I cannot dare to say thanks

but only pray to bless me always.

Last but not the least, I record my sincere thanks to all respectable people who helped me and

could not find separated mention. I still solicit their benediction to proceed at every step of a perfect

destined life.

Great thanks to all

Date:

Place: Varanasi (Tejraj Singh Hada )

CONTENTS

Chapter No. Title Page No.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

I INTRODUCTION 1-5

II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6-18

III MATERIAL AND METHODS 19-32

IV EXPERIMENTAL FINDINGS 33-57

V DISCUSSION 58-63

VI SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 64-66

BIBLIOGRAPHY 67-72

ACRONYMS USED

% Per cent

/ Per

0C Degree Celsius

0E Degree East

0N Degree North

C.D. Critical Difference

cm Centimeter

cv Cultivar

d.f. Degree of freedom

et al. (et albeit) and elsewhere

etc. Etcetera

Fig. Figure

g Gram

G.T. Grand Total

ha Hectare

Hrs. Hours

i.e. (Id est.) that is

kg Kilogram

Km Kilometer

m Metre

M.S.S Mean sum of square

Max. Maximum

mg Milligram

Min. Minimum

ml Milliliter

N.S. Non-significant

No. Number

ppm Parts per million

r Replication

R.H. Relative humidity

R.S.S. Replication Sum of Square

S Significant

S. Em. Standard Error of Mean

S.No. Serial number

T.S.S. Total Sum of Square

Tr.S.S. Treatment Sum of Square

TSS Total Soluble Solids

Viz. (Videlicet) Namely

Wt. Weight

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

TABLE: 3.1 Mean standard monthly Meteorological data 20

TABLE: 4.1 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on length of terminal shoot

(cm), number of leaves per shoot and leaf area (cm2) of winter season

guava cv. L-49 34

TABLE: 4.2 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit set (%), fruit drop

(%) and fruit retention (%) of winter season guava cv. L-49 36

TABLE: 4.3 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken for first

flowering (days) and time taken for 50% flowering (days) in winter

season guava cv. L-49 38

TABLE: 4.4 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on yield attributes (no. of

fruits per tree and yield per tree) of winter season guava cv. L-49 40

TABLE: 4.5 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on average fruit weight (g),

volume (ml) and specific gravity (w/v) of winter season guava cv. L-49 43

TABLE: 4.6 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on polar diameter (cm) and

radial diameter (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49 45

TABLE: 4.7 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp thickness (cm),

pulp weight (g) and pulp per cent of winter season guava cv. L-49 47

TABLE: 4.8 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of seeds per

fruit, seed weight (g), seed per cent and seed/pulp ratio of winter


TABLE: 4.9 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on TSS (0 Brix), acidity

(%), TSS/acid ratio and ascorbic acid (mg/100 g) of winter season

guava cv. L-49 54

TABLE: 4.10 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on economics of winter


LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

FIGURE: 3.1 Mean standard monthly Meteorological data 21

FIGURE: 4.1 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on length of terminal

shoot (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49 35

FIGURE: 4.2 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of leaves per

shoot of winter season guava cv. L-49 35

FIGURE: 4.3 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on leaf area (cm2) of winter


FIGURE: 4.4 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit set (%) of winter


FIGURE: 4.5 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit drop (%) of winter


FIGURE: 4.6 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit retention of winter


FIGURE: 4.7 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken for first

flowering (days) in winter season guava cv. L-49 39

FIGURE: 4.8 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken for 50%

flowering (days) in winter season guava cv. L-49 39

FIGURE: 4.9 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of fruits per

tree of winter season guava cv. L-49 41

FIGURE: 4.10 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit yield per tree (kg)

of winter season guava cv. L-49 41

FIGURE: 4.11 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on average fruit weight (g)


FIGURE: 4.12 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on volume (ml) of winter


FIGURE: 4.13 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on specific gravity (w/v)


FIGURE: 4.14 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on polar diameter (cm) of

winter season guava cv. L-49 46

FIGURE: 4.15 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on radial diameter (cm) of


FIGURE: 4.16 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp thickness (cm)


FIGURE: 4.17 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp weight (g) of


FIGURE: 4.18 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp per cent of winter


FIGURE: 4.19 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of seeds per

fruit of winter season guava cv. L-49 51

FIGURE: 4.20 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on seed weight (g) of


FIGURE: 4.21 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on seed per cent of winter


FIGURE: 4.22 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on seed/pulp ratio of winter


FIGURE: 4.23 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on TSS (0 Brix) of winter


FIGURE: 4.24 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on acidity (%) of winter


FIGURE: 4.25 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on TSS/acid ratio of winter


FIGURE: 4.26 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on ascorbic acid (mg/100g)

content of winter season guava cv. L-49 56

Chapter-I

Introduction

Guava (Psidium guajava L.), the apple of the tropics, is one of the most

popular fruits grown in tropical, sub-tropical and some parts of arid regions of

India. The fruit belongs to the family Myrtaceae, which has 140 genera and 3000

species widely distributed through out the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In

India, it has been introduced in early seventeenth century and gradually became a crop of

commercial significance all over the country.

It is very hardy, prolific bearer, highly remunerative even without much care.

Guava fruits are used both for fresh consumption as well as processing. It is a rich source

of vitamin C next to barbados cherry and aonla. It is also a rich source of phosphorus,

calcium and pectin. In recent years, guava cultivation has got popularity due to its

nutritional value and processed product like jelly, cheese etc.

It is the sixth most important fruit in production after banana, mango, citrus,

papaya and pineapple. Guava is an evergreen, shallow-rooted shrubs or small tree 4 m

tall with spreading branches. The bark is smooth, mottled green or reddish brown and

peels off in thin flakes to reveal the attractive "bony" aspect of its trunk. The plant

branches remain close to the ground and often produce suckers from roots near the base

of the trunk. Young twigs are quadrangular and downy. Leaves are opposite, simple,

short-petioles, entire, oval to oblong-elliptic, somewhat irregular in outline, 2 - 6 inches

long and 1 - 2 inches wide. The dull-green, stiff but leathery leaves have pronounced

veins, and are slightly downy on the underside. Crushed leaves are aromatic. Flowers

white, fragrant, borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils, are 1 inch wide, with 4 or

5 white petals. These petals are quickly shed, leaving a prominent tuft of perhaps

many white stamens tipped with pale-yellow anthers. Fruits may be round, ovoid or pear-

shaped, 2 - 4 inches long, and have 4 or 5 protruding floral remnants (sepals) at the apex.

Varieties differ widely in flavor and seediness. The better varieties are soft when ripe,

creamy in texture with a rind that softens to be fully edible. The flesh may be white, pink,

yellow, or red. The sweet, musky odor is pungent and penetrating. The seeds are

numerous but small and, in good varieties, fully edible. The fruit is juicy and crunchy and

Introduction

2

delicious with a distinct aroma. The pulp is either white or pink. The white variety is

more popular as the seeds are very small and the fruit is sweet, whereas, the pink variety

has bigger seeds and is a little sour

The guava bears solitary flower or in cyme of two or three flowers on the current

season growth in the axils of the leaves. Normally the bearing twigs grow a few

centimeters long, putting forth four to five pairs of leaves. The flowering bud in guava is

a mixed type, and the flowering shoot bore the flowers laterally. The flowering period

varies from 25 to 45 days depending upon the cultivar, season and region.

This fruit originated in tropical America and seems to have been growing from

Mexico to Peru. The trees were domesticated more than 2000 years ago. It was spreaded

rapidly through the world’s tropics by Spanish and Portuguese soon after the discovery of

the new world. Now it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of several countries

like India, Hawaii, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Philippines, Indonesia,

China, Malaysia, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Australia, Burma, Myanmar, Israel,

Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. India is the leading producer of guava in the world. In India,

guava is a major fruit crop of tropical, subtropical and arid region.

The major guava producing states of India are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,

Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Maharashtra, Bihar and U.P are the leading guava growing

states.

Presently the area under guava is 205 thousand ha which account for a share of 3.2

per cent of the total area under fruits. The total production of guava is 24.62 lakh tones

which accounts 3.3 per cent of total fruit production (Annon.NHB, 2012). Maharashtra

ranks first in the production of guava with production of 311 thousand Metric tones. The

area under guava cultivation is highest in Maharashtra i.e., 36000 hectares. The average

productivity of guava is 12 MT/ha but the productivity is highest in M.P i.e 29.0 MT /ha

(Annon.NHB, 2012). The total area and production of guava in Uttar Pradesh are 14.6

thousand hectares and 241.4 Metric tones respectively. Uttar Pradesh ranks 4rth in

productivity with 16.5 t/ha. Major guava producing areas in Uttar Pradesh are Allahabad,

Farrukhabad, Aligarh, Badaun .Uttar Pradesh produces best quality guava, and Allahabad

has the distinct reputation for growing the best guava in the country as well in the world.

Introduction

3

Composition and food value of guava fruits

The fruit (Berry) is an excellent source of vitamin C (210-305 mg/100g fruit pulp)

and pectin (0.5-1.8%) but has low energy (66 cal/100 g). The ripe fruits contain 12.3-26.3

% dry matter, 77.9-86.9% moisture, 0.51-1.02% ash, 0.10-0.70% crude fat, 0.82-1.45%

crude protein and 2.0-7.2% crude fiber. The fruit is also rich in minerals like Phosphorus

(22.5-40.0 mg/100 g pulp), Calcium (10.0-30.0 mg/100 g pulp) and Iron (0.60-1.39 mg/

100g pulp) as well as vitamins like Niacin (0.20-2.32 mg/100 g pulp), Panthotenic acid,

Thiamine (0.03-0.07mg/100 g pulp), Riboflavin (0.02-0.04 mg/100 g pulp) and vitamin–

“A” (Mitra and Bose, 2001).

Guava leaf is rich in tannins (9-12%) and other phenolic compounds of which

amritoside (a glycoside -gentiobioside -of ellagic acid) are of particular interest. Another

biologically interesting compound is guiajaverin, a glycoside (arabinopyroside) of

quercetin. The leaves also contain 0.3% essential oils (with eugenol) and triterpenoids

which may contribute to the overall medicinal activity.

Guava fruit is relished when mature or ripe, and freshly plucked from the tree.

Excellent salad and pudding are prepared from the shell of the ripe fruit. It can be

preserved by canning with or without seeds.

Guava has earned the popularity as “Poor man’s apple” available in plenty to

every person at very low price during the season. It is no inferior to apple for its nutritive

value. It is pleasantly sweet and refreshingly acidic in flavor and emits sweet aroma. It is

wholly edible along with the skin. The fruits outer layer is green and as it ripens turns into

a pale yellow.

Several delicious preserved products like Jam, Jelly, Cheese, Puree, Ice cream,

canned fruit and Sherbat are prepared from ripe fruits of guava. The seeds yield 3 to 13%

oil, which is rich in essential fatty acid and can be used as salad dressing (Adsule and

Kalam, 1995). In some countries, the leaves are used for curing and also for dyeing and

tanning. Leaves of guava are commonly used in traditional medicine, mainly to treat

gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, diabetes, and also fever (including malaria),

cough, ulcers, boils and wounds.

Guava does equally well under tropical and sub-tropical climatic

conditions. Under tropical climate due to availability of continuous heat and

Introduction

4

humidity, it produces fruits almost continuously. However in subtropical climate,

there are three distinct periods of growth and fruiting. These three distinct periods

are, Ambe bahar- February to March flowering and fruit ripens in July- August,

Mrig bahar- June to July flowering and fruit ripens October to December and

Hasta bahar- October to November flowering and fruit ripens in February to April

(Shukla et al., 2008).

The quality of guava fruit is greatly affected by temperature and humidity.

This is the reason that fruit quality of winter season is far better than that of rainy

season. High temperature during summer coupled with low humidity has been

reported to reduce fruit set and increase fruit drop. The quality of guava fruits greatly

affected by temperature and humidity. The development of sweetness, colour, aroma

depends on low temperature and dry atmosphere because of these facts fruit quality of

winter season is far better than that of rainy season. As far as rainy season crop is

concerned, it is rough, poor in quality and fetches less value in the market. Due to profuse

flowering and fruiting of the crop in the rainy season, there is need to regulate the fruiting

in order to improve the quality of winter season crop by the foliar application of

micronutrients. In recent years, attention has been mainly directed to the use of

micronutrient in modification growth, flowering fruiting and fruit quality and yield of

different fruits.

The foliar application of nutrients and growth regulators plays a vital role

in improving the quality and comparatively more effective for rapid recovery of

plants. The foliar feeding of fruit tree has gained much importance in recent

years, as nutrients applied through soil are needed in higher quantity because

some amount leaches down and some become unavailable to the plant due to

complex soil reactions. The yield parameter like average fruit weight, number of fruits

per tree and yield per tree are increased by the spray of micronutrients.

Zinc is the important constitute of several enzyme systems which regulate various

metabolic reaction associated with water relation in the plant. Zinc is essential for auxin

and protein synthesis, seed production and proper maturity. It also increases fruit size as

well as yield. Zinc is essential for improving the vegetative growth of guava trees in terms

of terminal shoots, shoot diameter and number of leaves per shoot.

Introduction

5

Boron is a constituent of cell membrane and essential for cell division. It acts as a

regulator of potassium / calcium ratio in the plant and helps in nitrogen absorption and

translocation of sugar in plant. Boron increases nitrogen availability to plant. It is

involved in the synthesis of cell wall components. It has a role in pollen viability and

good fruit set. It increases the growth of primary and lateral roots. Crops notorious for

their poor fruit flower ratio will often set more fruit with a pre-bloom boron foliar

application.

Keeping the above facts in view, the present experiment entitled “Effect of

different levels of boron and zinc on growth, fruiting, yield and quality of winter season

guava cv. L-49” was conducted in the Department of Horticulture, B.H.U., and Varanasi

(U.P.) with following objectives:

1. To study the influence of boron and zinc on vegetative growth of guava.

2. To find out the effect of boron and zinc on flowering, fruiting and yield of guava

fruits.

3. To study the effect of boron and zinc on the quality of guava fruits.

4. To work out the economics of different treatments.

Chapter-II

Review of Literature

In this chapter, an attempt has been made to review the research work done so far

in India and abroad by different workers on the effect of different levels of boron and zinc

on vegetative growth, flowering, fruting, yield and quality parameters of guava cv. L-49.

Effect on vegetative characters

Bagali et al. (1993) reported that two sprays of zinc sulphate, magnesium sulphate

and boron either singly or combinations at 0.3 per cent concentration enhanced the shoot

length, number of leaves per shoot.

Balakrishnan (2000) reported that foliar spray of 1.0 per cent Zinc sulphate

resulted in increase in length of shoot, over control. The micronutrients were applied

individually at 1%; or in combination at 0.25 and 0.5% for Zn, Mg and Fe, and 0.1 and

0.2% for Borax. The application of all micronutrients individually or in combination

significantly increased the growth of guava as compared to the control.

EI-Sherif et al. (2000) observed that the foliar spray of K2S04 (1.0% or 2%) and

Zinc Sulphate (0.5% or 1%) on guava at full bloom stage significantly increased the shoot

length.

Balakrishnan (2001) reported that the foliar spray of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4

significantly increased the length of shoot over control. Among the treatments, foliar

sprays of 0.25% ZnSO4+0.25% FeSO4+0.25% MgSO4+0.1% Borax at an interval of 60

days significantly increased the vegetative growth.

Maksoud et al. (2004) studied the effect of boron (B) fertilizer on growth of olive

(cv. Chemlali) trees. Treatments comprised: (1) control treatment (without B fertilizer),

(2) soil application of B fertilizer as boric acid (500 ppm), (3) foliar B application with

boric acid (500 ppm) combined with or without 0.2% urea. Boron sprays was applied

before or after bloom. The largest increase of vegetative growth was obtained from B

sprays combined with urea.


7

Sarolia et al. (2007) discussed the effect of foliar application of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5

per cent Zinc Sulphate and Ferrous Sulphate with their possible combinations. The control

trees were sprayed with water alone. It was observed that the maximum mean shoot

length (26.05) and number of leaves (20.65) per shoot were recorded at 0.5 per cent

ZnSO4 spray. The shoot length under 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 was 16.22 per cent more over

control.

Abdollahi et al. (2010) sprayed paclobutrazol (0, 100 mg l-), boric acid (0, 150,

300 mg l-) and zinc sulfate (0, 100, 200 mg l-). The criteria measured were leaf number,

leaf area. Zinc (ZnSO4) had positive effect on criteria measured.

Kumar et al. (2010) studied influence of Zinc Sulphate and boric acid on winter

season guava cv. Pant Prabhat. The rates of Zinc Sulfate and boric acid had significant

effects on the annual increase in tree spread. The greatest annual increases in tree spread

(0.682 and 1.266 m) were obtained with 1.0% zinc sulfate + 1.0% boric acid.

Khan et al. (2012) investigated influence of foliar application of boron (B) and

zinc (Zn) on the tree growth of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Feutrell's Early. Trees were

sprayed with boric acid and zinc sulphate either alone or in combination [(T1=control

(water spray), T2=0.3% boric acid, T3=0.5% zinc sulphate, T4=0.3% boric acid+0.5%

zinc sulphate at fruit set stage and T5=0.5% zinc sulphate+0.3% boric acid at premature

stage)]. Leaf size significantly increased with application of 0.3% boric acid+0.5% zinc

sulphate at the fruit set stage. In conclusion, the combined application of boric acid

(0.3%) and zinc sulphate (0.5%) at fruit set stage effectively improved the vegetative

growth of Feutrell's Early madarin.

Effect on flowering and fruiting characters

Sharma et al.(1991) advocated that foliar application of 0.6 per cent zinc sulphate

resulted in significantly highest fruit set (71.96%), number of fruits (498.6/plant), yield

(82.39 kg/plant) in guava.

Bagali et al. (1993) reported that two sprays of zinc sulphate, magnesium sulphate

and boron increased fruit set per shoot, fruit retention per shoot, number of fruits per tree

and fruit yield per tree. Among the different treatments, foliar application of Zn and Mg

singly increased the fruit yield significantly as 99.53kg and 87.90kg/ tree, respectively.


8

Dahiya et al.(1993) reported that foliar spray of Zinc Sulphate (0.4%) significantly

increased the fruit set, fruit yield per tree as compared to control.

Ingle et al. (1993) reported that foliar application of borax (0.2%) and zinc

sulphate (0.4%) increased fruit yield in guava cv. L-49.

Banik et al. (1997) found that foliar application of zinc, iron and boron, each at

0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 per cent significantly influenced flowering and fruiting of 30 year old

mango cv. Fazali.

Pradeep and Sharma (1997) stated that the foliar spray of 0.75 per cent zinc

sulphate increased fruit yield of citrus cv. Kinnow.

Singh and Vashistha (1997) reported that foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4

and borax was most effective to minimize drop in ber cv. Seb.

Kaul and Mathew (1999) observed that foliar application of calcium nitrate or zinc

sulphate increased the fruit retention percentage in peach cv. Floridasun.

Kundu and Mitra (1999) sprayed guava tree with 0.3 per cent Zn and observed

high percentage of fruit set and yield per plant over control.

Stamper et al. (1999) reported that foliar application of zinc, borax and

phosphorus increased yield up to 30 per cent in apple.

Balakrishnan (2000) reported the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on

yield of guava. The spray of 1.0 per cent ZnSO4 7H2O resulted in increased number of

flowers per shoot, fruit set and fruit yield per plant over control. The micronutrients were

applied individually at 1%; or in combination at 0.25 and 0.5% for Zn, Mg and Fe, and

0.1 and 0.2% for Borax. The application of all micronutrients individually or in

combination significantly increased the yield of guava as compared to control.

EI-Sherif et al. (2000) reported that the foliar spray of K2S04 (1.0% or 2%) and

Zinc Sulphate (0.5% or 1%) on guava at full bloom stage significantly increased the fruit

retention, fruit set and yield. Similarly, foliar spray of Zn at 0.4% significantly increased

yield.


significantly increased the number of flowers per plant, fruit set and fruit yield per tree.


9

Among the treatments, foliar sprays of 0.25%ZnSO4+0.25% FeSO4+0.25% MgSO4+0.1%

Borax at an interval of 60 days significantly increased the yield.

Bhatia et al. (2001) reported that guava responded to Zinc up to 0.75 per cent

concentration on fruit yield per plant. They also carried out an experiment on guava in

which K2SO4 (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%), ZnSO4 (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%), H3BO3 (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0)

and water (control) were sprayed on the trees and reported that all the nutrients increased

yield which was maximum (73.0kg per tree) with H3BO3 1.0%.

Prabu and Singaram (2001) reported the effect of Zn and B on the yield of grapes.

The treatments were ZnSO4 0.5% (10 and 20 g per vine) and borax 0.2% (4 and 8 g),

alone and in combinations. Foliar applications were conducted during the vegetative and

full bloom stages. The yield (6.30 kg per vine) was highest with ZnSO4 + borax

treatments.

Lal and Sen (2002) reported that foliar application of Zinc (0, 2 and 4 g/plant)

significantly influenced flowering, fruiting, yield attributes and yield of guava.

Maksoud et al. (2004) reported the effect of boron (B) fertilizer on yield of olive

(cv. Chemlali). Treatments comprised: (1) control treatment (without B fertilizer), (2) soil

application of B fertilizer as boric acid (500 ppm), (3) foliar B application with boric acid

(500 ppm) combined with or without 0.2% urea. Boron sprays were applied before or

after bloom. The appreciable increase in yield was obtained from B sprays combined with

urea after bloom.

Meena et al. (2005) reported the combined effect of urea (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) and

ZnSO4 (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) as foliar sprays on the yield of pruned guava (cv. Sardar)

under high-density planting system. The greatest number of fruits per plant (346.67) and

yield of fruit (42.75 kg per plant) were recorded with the foliar application of 3.0% urea +

1.0% ZnSO4.

Prasad et al. (2005) found that 0.8% borax significantly increased the number of

flowers, fruit set, and fruit retention of guava cv. Allahbad Safeda. All the treatments

increased yield under borax sprays followed by spraying of 3% urea.


10

Dutta and Banik (2007) revealed that foliar feeding of nutrients and plant growth

regulators significantly increased crop yield. It is suggested to apply urea + K2SO4 + Zn +

NAA for their beneficial effects on yield.

Lone (2007) reported that apple trees received combined treatments of Calcium

Chloride and Boron on apple trees responded to yields of apple. Application of Boron @

0.1% as foliar spray was observed to be best treatment.

Pal et al. (2008) evaluated the effect of foliar application of nutrients on the yield

.Treatments comprised: urea at 1.0 or 2.0%; K2SO4 at 1.0 or 0.5%; borax at 0.2 or 0.1%;

ZnSO4 0.4 or 0.2%; and a control. Guava yield was maximum under 2.0% urea, which

was closely followed by 1.0% urea.

Awasthi and Lal (2009) sprayed calcium nitrate at 1.0 and 1.5% (T1 and T2), boric

acid at 0.2 and 0.3% (T3 and T4), zinc sulfate at 1.5 and 2.0% (T5 and T6) and control (T7,

water spray). In general, zinc sulfate showed the highest values for number of fruits per

tree and yield.

Singh et al. (2009) studied the influence of pre-harvest foliar application of Ca, B

and their combinations on fruit yield of strawberry. The treatments consisted of (i) five

sprays of calcium as CaCl2 (first spray was performed at the petal fall stage and later at 7

days interval), (ii) three sprays of boron as boric acid (first spray at the beginning of

flowering and later at 15 day interval), (iii) combination of (i) and (ii), and (iv) plants

sprayed with water served as the control. Further, pre-harvest application either of Ca or

B or Ca+B could not influence the average berry weight and total fruit yield but

marketable fruit yield differed significantly among the treatments. The lowest marketable

fruit yield was recorded in plants under control and the highest in plants sprayed with

Ca+B (20% higher compared to control).


300 mg l-) and zinc sulfate (0, 100, 200 mg l-). The criteria measured was yield. Zinc

(ZnSO4) had positive effect on criteria measured. Foliar application of ZnSO4 prior to

flowering was recommend for increasing fruit yield of strawberry.

Kumar et al. (2010) studied the influence of Zinc Sulphate and boric acid spray on

winter season guava cv. Pant Prabhat. The increase in the concentration of boric acid

applied with 1% Zinc Sulfate had very slight effects on the growth characters. The greatest


11

average number of fruits per tree (906.33 and 910.00) and yield per tree (134.42 and

135.78 kg) were recorded with 1% Zinc Sulfate and 1% boric acid.

Shukla, ( 2011) reported that application of Ca+B 0.4% had significantly lesser

incidence of fruit drop (32.6%) than in the plants kept under control (2.8% and 79.2%,

respectively). The maximum yield (158.6 kg/tree) was recorded with the application of

calcium carbonate+borax 0.4%, while minimum was recorded under control (105.2

kg/tree). Calcium carbonate at concentration of 0.4% significantly reduced the fruit drop

and increased the retention of blossom.

Yadav et al. (2011) reported the impact foliar application of micronutrients and

GA3 on yield of guava fruit cv. L-49. The maximum fruit retention (57.27%), fruit yield

(48.63 kg/tree) and minimum fruit drop (42.23%) were recorded with foliar application of

Borax-04% followed by zinc sulphate 0.8%.

Khan et al. (2012) investigated the influence of foliar application of boron (B) and

zinc (Zn) on the productivity of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Feutrell's Early. Trees were

sprayed with boric acid and zinc sulphate either alone or in combination [(T1=control

(water spray), T2=0.3% boric acid at fruit set stage, T3=0.5% zinc sulphate at fruit set

stage, T4=0.3% boric acid+0.5% zinc sulphate at fruit set stage, T5=0.5% zinc

sulphate+0.3% boric acid at premature stage)] and the combined application of boric acid

(0.3%) and zinc sulphate (0.5%) at fruit set stage effectively improved the productivity of

Feutrell's Early.

Trivedi et al. (2012) evaluated the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) fertilizers on

the yield of guava and reported that foliar application of zinc sulfate (0.6%) and boric

acid (0.5%) in combination after fruit set resulted in higher yield.

Effect on Physio-chemical composition of fruit

Effect on Physical character

Sharma et al. (1991) advocated that foliar application of 0.6 per cent zinc sulphate

resulted in significantly highest fruit weight (165.8 g) in guava fruit.

Bagali et al. (1993) reported that two spray of zinc sulphate, magnesium sulphate

and boron singly and their combinations at 0.3 per cent concentration gave positive effect

on physical parameters of fruits.


12


increased the breadth of fruit, weight per fruit as compared to control.

Wahid et al. (1993) obtained the highest fruit weight (84.67g) and breadth (5.43

cm) with 2% urea treatment.

Shandhu et al. (1994) observed that the foliar application of 0.2 per cent zinc

sulphate gave maximum fruit weight in new orchard of Sand pear cv. Patharnakh.

Chaitanya et al. (1997) reported that foliar feeding of 0.3 per cent ZnSO4 and

borax increased length and diameter of guava fruit cv. L-49.

Babu and Singh (1998) advocated that foliar application of 0.6 per cent ZnSO4

significantly increased fruit size and weight in litchi.

Raghava and Tiwari (1998) reported that the preharvest spray of borax (0.6-1%)

improved the quality of guava fruits in terms of size and weight.

Kundu and Mitra (1999) reported that spray of 0.3 per cent Zn on guava trees

increased weight and diameter of fruit over control. Similar findings have also been

reported by singh and Brahmachari (1999).

Bhatia et al. (2001) reported that guava responded to Zinc up to 0.75 per cent

concentration in respect of fruit weight. They further reported that spray of K2SO4 (0.5,

1.0 and 1.5%), ZnSO4 (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%), H3BO3 (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0) increased fruit

weight over control.

Das et al. (2001) sprayed the guava trees with 0.5 or 1.0 per cent aqueous solution

of Zinc Sulphate or with water (control) and reported that spray increased the weight of

fruits but the specific gravity did not change much.

Kumar et al. (2004) advocated that foliar application of zinc (0.5%) boron (0.4%)

and copper (0.5%, 1%) after flowering at pea stage significantly improved fruit length,

fruit diameter and fruit weight in litchi cv. Dehradoon

Singh et al. (2004) found that spray of ZnSO4 (0.4%) and boric acid (0.4%)

considerably increased the size and weight of guava fruits in comparison to control.


13

Meena et al. (2005) studied the combined effect of foliar application of urea (2.0,

2.5 and 3.0%) and ZnSO4 (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) on the fruit quality and yield of pruned

guava (cv. Sardar) under high-density planting system and reported that foliar application

of 3.0% urea + 1.0% ZnSO4 increased fruit size, weight and pulp/seed ratio.

Prasad et al. (2005) found that 0.8% borax significantly increased the length and

diameter of guava cv. Allahbad Safeda. All the treatments increased fruit weight and

yield under borax spray followed by spraying of 3% urea.

Dutta and Banik (2007) studied the effect of foliar feeding of nutrients and plant

growth regulators on physico-chemical quality of guava cv.sardar. Experimental results

revealed that foliar feeding of nutrients and plant growth regulators significantly

increased the fruit length, diameter and individual fruit weight. Maximum (6.24 cm)

length of fruit was obtained with urea + K2SO4 + Zn + NAA followed by urea + K2SO4 +

Zn. This treatment was also found effective in maximizing individual fruit weight.

Pal et al. (2008) evaluated the effect of foliar application of nutrients. Treatments

comprised: urea at 1.0 or 2.0%; K2SO4 at 1.0 or 0.5%; borax at 0.2 or 0.1%; ZnSO4 0.4 or

0.2%; and a control. Fruit size, in terms of both length and breadth, was significantly

increased by foliar application of nutrients. The maximum value of both characters was

recorded under 2.0% urea. However, 1.0% urea was at par with 0.4% ZnSO4 for

increasing the fruit size. The weight and volume were maximum under 2.0% urea

followed by 1.0% urea and 0.4% ZnSO4. Maximum specific gravity of fruit (1.19) was

observed with 1.0% urea spray.

Kumar et al. (2010) studied the influence of Zinc Sulphate and boric acid spray on

winter season guava cv. Pant Prabhat. The greatest average fruit weight (148.30 and

149.20 g, respectively), was recorded for trees sprayed with 1% Zinc Sulfate and 1% boric

acid.

Shukla (2011) conducted an experiment on Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis

Gaertn) to assess the effect of pre-harvest foliar application of Ca (as calcium carbonate),

B (as borax) individually or their combination. Treatments consisted of Ca as CaCO3 at

0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, boron as borax at 0.2%, 0.4% 0.6%, Ca+B (mixed) 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%

and plants sprayed with water served as the control. In totality all the treatments increased


14

the fruit weight, fruit size, number of fruit/shoot as compared to control. The Ca+B 0.4%

significantly increased fruit size, fruit length and breadth.

Yadav et al. (2011) investigated the effect of foliar application of micronutrients

and GA3 on physicochemical characters of guava fruit cv. L-49. The maximam fruit

length (6.07 cm), fruit width (5.92 cm) and fruit weight (98.48 kg) was recorded with

foliar application of Borax-0.4 per cent followed by zinc sulphate 0.8%.

Kumar et al. (2010) investigations on the effect of growth regulators and nutrients

on the fruit quality of guava cv. L-49 of different levels of GA3, NAA, Borax and KNO3

All the treatments exerted significant effect on the size and weight of guava fruit.

However, the best quality guava fruits were obtained with the foliar application of GA3

50 ppm+Borax 0.25 per cent followed by borax 0.5 per cent.


zinc (Zn), on Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Feutrell's Early and found that there was a

significant increase in fruit weight with application of 0.3% boric acid+0.5% zinc

sulphate when sprayed at the fruit set stage.

Trivedi et al. (2012) evaluated the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the yield

and fruit quality of guava. The treatments comprised control (tap water; T0), 0.5% boric

Acid (T1), 0.6% boric acid (T2), 0.5% zinc sulfate (T3), 0.5% zinc sulfate + 0.5% bori

acid (T4), 0.5% zinc sulfate + 0.6% boric acid (T5), 0.6% zinc sulfate (T6), 0.6% zinc

sulfate + 0.5% boric acid (T7) and 0.6% zinc sulfate + 0.6% boric acid (T8). Data were

recorded on fruit weight and fruit diameter. It was noted that the combined foliar

application of zinc sulfate (0.6%) and boric acid (0.5%) before and after fruit set resulted

in higher fruit weight, radial diameter, polar diameter and specific gravity.

Effect on chemical characters

Sharma et al. (1991) advocated that foliar application of 0.6 per cent zinc sulphate

resulted in significantly highest fruit total soluble solids (11.25%) and ascorbic acid

(127.67 mg/100 g) with lowest (0.36%) acidity content in guava fruit.


increased the total soluble solids as compared to control.


15

Wahid et al. (1993) reported the highest TSS (11.83%) and total sugar (8.71%)

contents and lowest acidity (0.97%) with 1% K2SO4 treatment.

Shandhu et al. (1994) observed that the foliar application of 0.2 per cent zinc

sulphate considerably reduced the acidity in new orchard of Sand pear cv. Patharnakh.

Raghava and Tiwari (1998) reported that the preharvest spray of borax (0.6-1%)

improved the quality of guava fruits in terms of TSS (total soluble solids), ascorbic acid

and acidity.

Kundu and Mitra (1999) reported that guava tree sprayed with 0.3 per cent Zn

showed increased total soluble solids, ascorbic acid and reduced acid content in fruits.

Singh and Brahmachari (1999) reported that total soluble solids and ascorbic acid

contents of the fruit pulp enhanced markedly with the application of two levels of Zinc

(0.5 and 1.0 per cent ZnSO4). Application of 1.0 per cent ZnSO4 resulted in significant

reduction in acidity in guava fruit over 0.5% ZnSO4 and control. The application of boron

and zinc enhanced TSS considerably. The ascorbic acid content of the fruit pulp also

increased greatly with the higher concentrations of boron and Zinc.

Balakrishnan (2000) reported the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on

quality of guava. Foliar spray of 1.0 per cent ZnSO4 7H2O resulted in increase in total

soluble solids and ascorbic acid over control.

EI-Sherif et al. (2000) reported that the foliar spray of K2S04 (1.0% or 2%) and

Zinc Sulphate (0.5% or 1%) on guava at full bloom stage significantly increased the

quality of fruit.


significantly increased total soluble solids and ascorbic acid. However the acidity

remained unchanged. Among the treatments, foliar sprays of 0.25% ZnSO4+0.25%

FeSO4+0.25% MgSO4+0.1% Borax at an interval of 60 days significantly increased the

fruit quality.

Bhatia et al. (2001) carried out an experiment on guava in which K2SO4 (0.5, 1.0

and 1.5%), ZnSO4 (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0%), H3BO3 (0.3, 0.5 and 1.0) and water (control) were

sprayed. The total soluble solids were more with H3BO3 followed by K2SO4 1.5%.

Ascorbic acid (182g/100g) was found maximum with K2SO4 1.5%.


16

Lal and Sen (2001) determined the effects of different level of Zinc (0, 2 and 4

g/plant) on the fruit quality of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda. The total soluble solids,

ascorbic acid, as well as TSS: acid ratio in fruits linearly increased, whereas acidity

decreased with increasing rates of Zn.

Prabu and Singaram (2001) reported the effect of Zn and B on the quality of

grapes. The treatments were ZnSO4 0.5% (10 and 20 g per vine) and borax 0.2% (4 and 8

g), alone and in combinations. Foliar applications were conducted during the vegetative

and full bloom stages. The TSS (15.8 degrees Brix), and sugar:acid ratio (10.84) were

highest with ZnSO4 + borax treatments.

Singh et al. (2004) noted that foliar application of boron increased TSS and

ascorbic acid contents in guava fruits.

Meena et al. (2005) studied the combined effect of foliar application of urea (2.0,

2.5 and 3.0%) and ZnSO4 (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) on the fruit quality of pruned guava (cv.

Sardar) under high-density planting system. The greatest ascorbic acid content (148.68

mg/100 g pulp) was recorded with the foliar application of 3.0% urea + 1.0% ZnSO4.

Dutta and Banik (2007) studied the effect of foliar feeding of nutrients and plant

growth regulators on physico-chemical quality of guava cv. Sardar. The bio-chemical

constituents were also influenced by different spraying of nutrients and growth regulators.

Maximum TSS (10.85 degrees B) was obtained with K2SO4 treatment followed by urea +

K2SO4 + Zn + NAA. Reduction of titratable acidity was found under NAA alone on in

combination with urea + K2SO4 + Zn. Plants treated with urea + K2SO4 + Zn + NAA

showed maximum (135.42 mg 100 g-1 fruit) ascorbic acid content followed by NAA 50

ppm.

Lone (2007) reported that apple trees receiving combined treatments of Calcium

Chloride and Boron were observed to be better in fruit quality. Application of Boron @

0.1% as foliar spray was observed to be best treatment.

Pal et al. (2008) evaluated the effect of foliar application of nutrients on the

quality of guava cv. Sardar in the winter season. Treatments comprised: urea at 1.0 or

2.0%; K2SO4 at 1.0 or 0.5%; borax at 0.2 or 0.1%; ZnSO4 at 0.4 or 0.2%; and a control.

Total soluble solid, were maximum in 1.0% urea. However, 0.5% K2SO4 proved equally

good. Maximum reduction in acidity was recorded under 0.2% ZnSO4 which was at par


17

with 0.1% borax. Ascorbic acid content was significantly increased by all treatments over

the control except 1.0% K2SO4. Maximum value (277.76 mg/100 g fruit) was observed

upon application of 0.2% ZnSO4, which was at par with 0.4% concentration.

Awasthi and Lal (2009) sprayed different concentrations of calcium nitrate, boric

acid and zinc sulfate and reported that boric acid gave the highest values for total soluble

solids.

Singh et al. (2009) determined the influence of pre-harvest foliar application of

Ca, B and their combinations on quality of strawberry. The treatments consisted of (i) five

sprays of calcium as CaCl2 (first spray was performed at the petal fall stage and later at 7

days interval), (ii) three sprays of boron as boric acid (first spray at the beginning of

flowering and later at 15 day interval), (iii) combination of (i) and (ii), and (iv) plants

sprayed with water served as the control. Results indicated that fruit harvested from

plants, which were sprayed either with Ca or Ca+B had Similarly, fruit receiving Ca or

Ca+B were firmer had lower TSS, higher acidity and ascorbic acid content at the time of

harvest than those harvested from plants under control.


300 mg l-) and zinc sulfate (0, 100, 200 mg l-) on selva strawberry cultivar. The criteria

measured were total soluble solids, acidity and vitamin C. Zinc (ZnSO4) had positive

effect on criteria measured. Foliar application of ZnSO4 prior to flowering was

recommend to increase the fruit quality of strawberry.

Shukla (2011) examined the impact of pre-harvest foliar application of Ca (as

calcium carbonate), B (as borax) individually and their combinations. Treatments

consisted of Ca as CaCO3 at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, boron as borax at 0.2%, 0.4% 0.6%,

Ca+B (mixed) 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6% and plants sprayed with water served as the control. In

totality all the treatments increased quality of fruits as compared to control. The

maximum vitamin C (626.49 mg/100 g) was recorded with calcium carbonate+borax

0.4%. Similarly, it was also observed that such fruit (sprayed with Ca+B 0.4%) had

slightly higher TSS (16.5%) at harvest than those in control (15.1%).

Yadav et al., (2011) investigated the effect of foliar application of micronutrients

and GA3 on physicochemical characters of guava fruit cv. L-49.The maximum total


18

soluble solids (11.70 0Brix), ascorbic acid (172.00 mg/100 g), acidity (0.30%) were

recorded with foliar application of borax-04 per cent followed by zinc sulphate 0.8%.


zinc (Zn), on the fruit quality of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Feutrell's Early. And

reported application of 0.3% boric acid+0.5% zinc sulphate at pre-mature stage

significantly enhanced the concentration of ascorbic in the Feutrell's Early fruit juice. In

conclusion, the combined application of boric acid (0.3%) and zinc sulphate (0.5%) at

fruit set stage effectively improved the fruit quality of Feutrell's Early madarin.

Trivedi et al. (2012) evaluated the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) fertilizers on

the fruit quality of guava. The treatments comprised control (tap water; T0), 0.5% boric

Acid (T1), 0.6% boric acid (T2), 0.5% zinc sulfate (T3), 0.5% zinc sulfate + 0.5% boric

acid (T4), 0.5% zinc sulfate + 0.6% boric acid (T5), 0.6% zinc sulfate (T6), 0.6% zinc

sulfate + 0.5% boric acid (T7) and 0.6% zinc sulfate + 0.6% boric acid (T8). Data were

recorded on total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content. It was

shown that that the combined foliar application of zinc sulfate (0.6%) and boric acid

(0.5%) before and after fruit set resulted in higher TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, and sugar-

acid ratio.

Economic analysis

Wahid et al. (1993) obtained the highest cost benefit ratio (1:9.58) with 2% urea

treatment, followed by 0.2% borax treatment (1:6.35).

Dutta and Banik (2007) reported the highest cost:benefit ratio of 1:34.92 with the

spraying of urea + K2SO4 + Zn + NAA followed by 1:34.06 with urea application alone.

Chapter III

Materials and Methods

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different levels of boron and zinc

on growth, fruiting, yield and quality of winter season guava (Psidium guajava L.)

cv. L-49” was carried out in the Fruit Research Farm, Horticulture Unit, B.H.U.,

Varanasi, U.P. during the year 2012-2013. This chapter narrates the details of procedure

adopted and materials used during the experimentation.

Selection of variety

Guava variety L-49 was selected for the present study. This variety was evolved

through selection from open pollinated seedlings of Allahabad safeda at Poona and also

known as Sardar guava. It is Semi dwarf 2.3 to 3.4 meter in height, heavy branching type

with flat crown, leaves are large 12.8 to 13.2 cm long, 6.8 cm broad, elliptic-ovate to

oblong in shape. Fruit is roundish ovate in shape, skin colour promise yellow with

occasional red rot on the skin. The taste is good and keeping quality is excellent.

Physico-chemical attributes of L-49

Length of

fruit (cm)

Diameter

of fruit

(cm)

Fruit

weight (g)

T.S.S. of

fresh

weight (%)

Total

Sugars (%)

Vit. C

mg/100 gm

pulp

5.8 to 6.6 6.4 to 6.5 95-145 9.2 – 10 6.8 to 8.8 132-216

Source: Mitra et al. (1983), Kunda et al. (1995)

3.1 LOCATION AND SITE OF THE EXPERIMENT FIELD

Varanasi is situated in the eastern U.P. and lies in the centre of north alluvial

plains with the holy river Gangs on its right and enjoys a subtropical climate. The Fruit

Research Farm is situated about 10 km away from Varanasi railway station in the

Southern part of Varanasi city and geographically situated at 2518 North latitude and

6033 East longitude. The altitude of the city is about 129.23 meters from MSL.


20

3.2 AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITION OF THE LOCATION

Varanasi city enjoys a subtropical climate being often subjected to extremes of

weather i.e. hot in summer and cold in winter. The major portion of the precipitation

about (86%) is received during July to September. On the basis of climatic conditions

prevailing in this part of the country, the entire year could be divided into three distinct

seasons:

1. Summer season: March to 3rd week of June

2. Rainy season: Last week of June to Middle of October

3. Winter season: November to February

Table 3.1. Mean standard monthly Meteorological data

Week

No.

Month & Date Rainfall

mm

Temperature 0C R.H. % Wind

Speed

km/hr

Sunshine

hours

Evaporation

mm MAX MIN MAX MIN

27 July 02-08 83.3 33.4 27.9 81 66 5.8 4.5 5.9

28 09-15 70.0 33.7 27.4 85 68 4.6 3.3 3.7

29 16-22 105.2 32.3 26.2 87 73 5.4 2.6 4.4

30 23-29 43.4 32.1 26.9 89 81 3.8 4.4 3.1

31 30-05 57.8 32.2 26.5 89 74 3.9 3.5 3.6

32 Aug 06-12 38.4 32.0 26.2 87 76 6.6 5.6 4.1

33 13-19 16.4 32.2 29.1 86 74 4.0 3.5 3.8

34 20-26 30.9 32.3 26.1 87 73 4.3 4.0 3.7

35 27-02 16.7 34.3 27.8 89 68 2.2 7.0 4.4

36 Sep 03-09 18.0 31.4 25.9 89 75 7.4 4.9 3.7

37 10-16 112.2 29.6 24.9 94 82 4.6 2.5 3.2

38 17-23 9.5 32.1 25.4 90 68 2.9 4.4 3.5

39 24-30 0.0 33.6 24.0 82 54 3.0 9.0 3.6

40 Oct 01-07 6.4 33.7 24.0 85 37 1.8 7.2 3.6

41 08-14 0.0 31.6 21.6 86 56 2.0 8.2 3.6

42 15-21 0.0 31.8 19.9 85 52 1.0 7.9 2.5

43 22-28 0.0 30.4 17.5 84 54 1.1 8.0 2.4

44 29-04 0.0 29.4 16.3 87 49 1.1 6.7 2.2

45 Nov 05-11 0.0 28.4 15.3 88 51 1.8 6.5 2.1

46 12-18 0.0 27.9 13.1 90 57 0.8 7.0 1.7

47 19-25 0.0 27.0 11.4 90 61 1.5 7.6 1.7

48 26-02 0.0 25.9 10.7 87 35 2.1 7.9 1.8

49 Dec 03-09 0.0 25.9 9.8 79 27 3.1 8.5 2.1

50 10-16 0.0 22.1 14.1 89 67 2.4 3.7 1.6

51 17-23 0.0 21.5 10.7 81 45 4.6 6.5 1.8

52 24-31 0.0 18.8 6.8 91 53 2.1 3.8 1.1


21

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

July

02

-08

15

-Se

p

16

-22

23

-29

30

-05

Au

g 0

6-1

2

13

-19

20

-26

27

-02

Sep

03

-09

16

-Oct

17

-23

24

-30

Oct

01

-07

14

-Au

g

15

-21

22

-28

29

-04

No

v 0

5-1

1

18

-De

c

19

-25

26

-02

De

c 0

3-0

9

16

-Oct

17

-23

24

-31

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52

Rainfall mm Temperature 0C R.H. % Wind Sunshine hours Evaporation mm

Fig. 3.1: Mean standard monthly Meteorological data


22

Soil of Experimental Site

The experimental site was having an even topography with adequate irrigation and

drainage facilities. The soil was sandy loam and good in fertility. Aggregate soil samples

were drawn from experimental field (0-20 cm depth) prior to application of farm yard

manures to assess the initial physical and chemical status of the orchard and soil. The soil

samples were collected from different points of the field with the help of core samplers.

The composite samples were brought to the laboratory, air dried, crushed and passed

through 20 mesh sieve. These processed samples were subjected to appropriate

mechanical, physical and chemical analysis. The results of analysis are presented below:

a. Mechanical Analysis

S. No. Particular Content

value

Method followed

1. Sand (%) 44.62 Robinson’s International

Pipette Method (Piper,

1966)

2. Silt (%) 31.16

3. Clay (%) 26.1

4. Textural class Sandy loam

b. Chemical Analysis

S. No. Particular / Fertility

gradient

Content

value

Method followed

1. Available nitrogen (kg/ha) 180.50 Modified Kjeldahl Method

(Jackson, 1967)

2. Available phosphorus (kg/ha) 19.01 Olsen’s Method (Jackson,

1967)

3. Available potassium (kg/ha) 200.42 Neutral normal ammonium

acetate (Jackson, 1967)

4. Organic carbon 0.45 Calorimetric

5. Ph 7.12 Glass electrode pH meter

c. Physical Analysis

S. No. Particular Content

value

Method followed

1. Bulk density (g / cc) 1.46 Keen Racz Kowaki Box

(Sankaran, 1969)

2. Electrical Conductivity (dsm-1) 0.33 By Conductivity Method

(Kanwar and Chopra, 1967)


23

3.3 EXPERIMENTAL MATERIAL

The investigation was conducted on 6 years old guava plants planted at 6 6 m

apart under square system of planting. In order to assess the effects of various treatments,

all the plants were subjected to uniform cultural practice during the period of

experimentation.

3.3.1 Experimental details

The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications

with a unit of one plant in each replication of a treatment.

Symbol Details of the treatment

T0 (Control)

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%)

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%)

T3 (Borax 0.2%)

T4 (Borax 0.4%)

T5 (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc Sulphate 0.4%)




Preparation and Method of Application of Nutrient Solution

The requirement of spray liquid for spraying a tree was assessed to be two litres.

The quantity of micronutrient at the rate of 1 g/liters was used to make the solution

concentration of 0.1 per cent. Similarly Zinc sulphate at the rate of 4 g per liter and 8 g /

liter make a solution of 0.4 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively.

3.4 Experimental design and layout

I. Design : Randomized Block Design

II. Total number of treatments : 9

III. Replication : 3

IV. Plant Unit : 1

V. Total no. of plants : 27

VI. Variety : L-49


24

VII. Age of plants : 6 years

VIII. Plant spacing : 6m x 6m

IX. Time of spraying : First spraying of micronutrients

boron and zinc sulphate was done in

the Mid of August 2012 after fruit set

and second in the Mid of November

2012.

3.5 Observations

Observations on various characters of plant i.e. growth, fruiting, yield, physical

and chemical attributes of fruits and economics of different treatments applied were

worked out as per standard procedures.

A. Growth characters

3.5.1 Length of terminal shoot (cm)

3.5.2 Number of leaves per shoot

3.5.3 Leaf area per shoot (cm2 )

B. Flowering, fruiting, and yield characters

3.5.4 Fruit setting (%)

3.5.5 Fruit drop (%)

3.5.6 Fruit retention (%)

3.5.7 Time taken for first flowering (days)

3.5.8 Time taken for 50% flowering (days)

3.5.9 Number of fruits per tree

3.5.10 Fruit yield (kg/tree)

C. Physio-chemical composition of fruits

Physical characters

3.5.11 Average fruit weight (g)

3.5.12 Fruit volume (ml)

3.5.13 Specific gravity (w/v)

3.5.1 Polar diameter of fruit at harvest (cm)


25

3.5.1 Radial diameter of fruit at harvest (cm)

3.5.16 Pulp thickness (cm)

3.5.17 Pulp weight (g)

3.5.18 Pulp per cent

3.5.19 No. of seeds per fruit

3.5.20 Seed weight (g)

3.5.21 Seed per cent

3.5.22 Seed/Pulp ratio

Chemical parameters

3.5.23 Total soluble solids (0Brix)

3.5.24 Acidity (%)

3.5.25 TSS : acid ratio

3.5.26 Ascorbic acid content (mg/100g pulp)

A. Growth characters:

3.5.1 Leaf area per shoot (cm2)

Five fully mature leaves on each tree on each direction were selected for

recording leaf area. Leaf area was measured with leaf area meter and expressed in cm2.

3.5.2 Length of terminal Shoot (cm)

It was considered from base to apex of a shoot. A round mark of black

paint at the base of each shoot was made to denote the point of measurement. It

was measured with the help of meter scale and expressed in centi meter.

3.5.3 Number of leaves per shoot

Completely expanded leaves on each shoot were counted.


26

B. Flowering, fruiting and yield characters

3.5.4 Fruit setting (%)

Four branches were randomly selected and tagged on each plant and the number

of flowers counted at full bloom stage separately on each branch. Subsequently, number

of flowers set fruit were counted. The fruit setting per cent was calculated with following

formula:

Fruit setting (%) = (Number of flowers set fruits/ Number of flowers) x100

3.5.5 Fruit drop (%)

The fruit drop per cent was calculated by the following equation:

𝐹𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 (%) =𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑡 − 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑟𝑢𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑡× 100

3.5.6 Fruit retention (%)

The fruit retention (At maturity) per cent was calculated with following formula:

Fruit retention (%) = Number of fruits at harvest/ initial number of fruit set x100

3.5.7 Time taken for first flowering (days)

Number of days were worked out for first flowering after the first foliar

spray was done.

3.5.8 Time taken for 50% flowering (days)

Number of days were worked out for 50% flowering after the first foliar

spray was done.

3.5.9 Number of fruits per tree

The number of fruits per plant was recorded separately for each plant at

each picking.

3.5.10 Yield per tree (kg):

Fruits of each plant were weighed separately with top pan balance at each

picking date and sum of all the pickings gave yield for a plant.


27

C. Physio- chemical composition of fruits

Physical characters

Five fruits on each tree were randomly selected and tagged for recording

various physical parameters.

3.5.11 Average fruit weight (g)

The average weight of fruit was calculated as per the formula given below:

Average fruit weight = Total weight of fruits (g)/ Number of fruits

3.5.12 Volume of fruit (ml)

The volume of fruit was recorded by water displacement method with the

help of measuring cylinder and expressed in milliliters.

3.5.13 Specific gravity (w/v)

The specific gravity was obtained by dividing the weight of the fruit by the

volume of the fruit.

3.5.14 Polar diameter of Fruit (cm)

Polar diameter of fruit was measured from upper pole to lower pole ends

of the fruit and expressed in centi meters at harvest with the help of Vernier

Calliper.

3.5.15 Radial diameter of Fruit (cm)

The radial diameter of the fruit was measured at the centre of the fruit with

the help of Vernier Calliper and expressed in cm.

3.5.16 Pulp thickness (cm)

To measure the thickness of pulp, the fruits were equally divided into two

halves by cutting and length between skin and seed ball was measured with the

help of scale and expressed in centi metre.


28

3.5.17 Pulp weight (g)

To calculate pulp weight of fruit, the seed weight was substracted from

total weight of fruit.

3.5.18 Pulp per cent

The weight of pulp was calculated by dividing the weight of pulp per fruit

from the total weight of fruit. Pulp percentage was calculated by using the

following formula:

Pulp per cent = Weight of pulp per fruit

X 100 Weight of fruit

3.5.19 No. of seeds per fruit

Extraction of seeds was done by crushing the fruit then the seeds were

washed with water. Then the no. of seeds was counted with hand.

3.5.20 Seed weight (g)

To calculate seed weight of fruit, seeds extracted from fruit were weighed

with the help of electronic balance and expressed in gram.

3.5.21 Seed per cent

Extraction of seeds was done by crushing the fruit with care that there

should not be any injury to seeds. The seeds were then washed thoroughly with

water. The seed weight was recorded in gram by weighing the seeds with the help

of electronic balance. The percentage of seed was calculated by the following

formula:

Seed per cent = Weight of Seed per fruit

X 100 Weight of fruit


29

3.5.22 Pulp/ Seed ratio:

The weight of the seeds and pulp of fruit was taken separately. The weight

of fruit pulp was divided by the weight of the seeds to obtain pulp/seed ratio.

Chemical parameters of fruit:

For determination of fruit quality, five healthy fruits were selected

randomly from each tree at full maturity stage.

3.5.23 Total soluble solids (0Brix):

All the fruits of each plant were crushed to form a homogenized sample

and then the juice were extracted through muslin cloth. The extract was used for

determination of T.S.S. in 0Brix by hand refractometer. Few drops of juice were

placed on the surface of prism. The hinged part was placed back. The

refractometer was then placed against the sun. The reading was noted by

revolving the eyepiece at room temperature (A.O.A.C., 1970).

3.5.24 Acidity (%):

Acidity was estimated by simple acid–alkali titration method as described

in A.O.A.C. (1970). Five gram fruit pulp was taken and it was crushed in pestle

and morter distilled water and filter through muslin cloth and transferred into a

100 ml flask and finally volume was made up to 100 ml.Five ml of diluted fruit

juice was taken by pipette and transferred into a 250 ml beaker, then 3 drops of

Phenolphthalein indicator were added in this solution. The burette was filled with

N/10 NaOH solution and juice was titrated with alkali solution, drop by drop with

constant stirring till the pink end point was reached. End point readings were

recorded and the percent acidity was calculated by the formula as given below

and expressed in terms of citric acid.

Total acidity per cent = )gm10(sampleofWeight)ml5(takenAliquot

100641.0valueTitrate

1 ml .1N NaOH = 0.0064g citric acid


30

3.5.25 TSS/acid ratio

Total soluble solids per cent was divided by acidity per cent to obtain TSS/acid

ratio.

3.5.26 Ascorbic acid content (mg/100g pulp)

Assay method was followed given by Ranganna (1977).

(a) Preparation of 3 per cent Meta phosphoric acid (HPO3): For preparing the

3% Meta phosphoric acid (HPO3) solution, dissolve the 3 g sticks or pellets of

(HPO3) was dissolved in distilled water after adding 40 ml glacial acetic acid.

(b) Preparation of standard ascorbic acid solution: Hundred mg of L-Ascorbic

acid was weighed and made up to 100 ml with 3% (HPO3). One ml of this

solution was diluted to 10 ml by adding 3% HPO3 (1 ml = 0.1 mg ascorbic acid).

(c) Preparation of dye solution: Forty two mg of sodium salt of 2,6-di

chlorophenol indophenols was dissolved in 150 ml of hot distilled water

containing 42 mg sodium bicarbonate after cooling, it was diluted with distilled

water made of the volume 200 ml and stored in refrigerator.

(d) Standardization of dye: In 5 ml of standard ascorbic acid solution 5 ml of

HPO3 was added through micro burette.The burette was filled with the dye

solution. Standard Ascorbic acid was filtrated against dye solution to a pink

colour, which persisted for 15 seconds.Dye factor was calculated as given below.

Dye factor = 0.5/titre value

(e) Preparation of sample: Ten gram of sample was blended with 100 ml of 3%

HPO3 after that it was filtered.

(f) Assay of ascorbic acid: An aliquot (10 ml) of the sample was taken and titrated

against the standard dye to a pink colour (end point), which persisted for 15 seconds. The

ascorbic acid content of the sample was calculated using the following formula:


31

Ascorbic acid =

(mg / 100 g pulp)

Titre x dye factor x volume made up

x 100

Aliquot extract taken for estimation x

weight of sample taken for estimation

3.5.27 Economics of treatments

The cost of cultivation per hectare under different treatments was calculated on

the basis of expenditure incurred with respect to item wise operations for maintaining the

crop separately under each treatment. The treatment wise net income was worked out by

deducting the cost of cultivation from gross income per hectare. The cost: benefit ratio

was also calculated.

3.6 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The statistical analysis of the data obtained in the different set of experiment were

calculated as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1985).

3.6.1 Analysis of variance

Source of

variation

d.f. S.S. M.S.S. FCal FTab

Replication (r-1) = 2

Treatment (t-1) = 8

Error (r-1)(t-1) = 16

Total (rt-1) = 26

The standard error (SEm) for the difference of treatment means were computed

as follows:

SEm = r

MS2 e

Where,

MSe = Mean sum of square due to error

r = Number of replications


32

The critical difference (C.D.) was calculated to assess the significance of

difference between treatments, whenever the results were found significant through ‘F’

test. CD at 5 % level of significance was determined. The calculated of C.D. at 0.5% at

table values will be carried out with the help of following formula.

CD = SEm 2 t error df

CD = Critical difference

SEm = Standard error of mean

Chapter IV

EXPERIMENTAL FINDINGS

The present investigation entitled “Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on

growth, fruiting, yield and quality of winter season guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49”

was carried out in the Fruit Research Farm, Horticulture Unit, B.H.U., Varanasi, U.P.

during the year 2012-2013. The results of the present experiment have been presented

under the following heads:

Growth characters

4.1 Length of terminal shoot (cm)

The effect of boron and zinc on length of terminal shoot is very obvious and

consistent. The data related to the length of the terminal shoot are placed in Table 4.1. and

depicted in Fig. 4.1. A perusal of data revealed that the greatest length (38.12 cm) was

recorded under T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + borax 0.4%), while the minimum length of terminal

shoot (28.02cm) was in control. However, all the treatments differed statistically

significant among themselves.

4.2 Number of leaves per shoot

Through out the experimentation, the progressive increase in number of leaves per

shoot was visualized by allocation of different treatments. The maximum (26.23) number

of leaves was recorded under T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + borax 0.4%) while the minimum (15.95)

leaves per shoot was recorded in control. However, T4 and T5 remained statistically at

par.

4.3 Leaf area per shoot (cm2)

Similar to first two growth characters, viz., length of terminal shoot and number of

leaves per shoot, the leaf area per shoot was also significantly increased by application of

different treatments. The greatest (628.21cm2) leaf area was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4

0.8% + borax 0.4%), while the lowest (528.88 cm2) leaf area per shoot was noted in

control. Treatments T7, T6, T4 and T5 did not differ statistically significant among

themselves.

Experimental Findings

34

Table 4.1: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on length of terminal shoot (cm),

number of leaves per shoot and leaf area (cm2) of winter season guava cv.

L-49.

Treatment

Length of terminal

Shoot

( cm )

Number of

leaves per

Shoot

Leaf

area

(cm2)

T0 (Control) 28.02 15.95 528.88

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 29.23 17.25 540.79

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 31.02 19.06 558.55

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 32.30 20.42 571.95

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 34.78 22.83 595.05

T5 (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 34.00 22.11 585.45




S Em ± 0.16 0.34 4.56

C.D. at 5% 0.50 1.02 13.69


35

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Len

gth

of

term

inal

sh

oo

t (c

m)

Treatment

Fig. 4.1 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on length of terminal shoot (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Nu

mb

er

of

leav

es

pe

r sh

oo

t

Treatment

Fig. 4.2 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of leaves per shoot of winter season guava cv. L-49

450.00

500.00

550.00

600.00

650.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Leaf

are

a p

er

sho

ot

(cm

2 )

Treatment

Fig. 4.3 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on leaf area (cm2) of winter season guava cv. L-49


36

Flowering , fruiting and yield characters

The observations on flowering, fruiting and yield as influensed by levels of boron

and zinc are presented in Table 4.2 to 4.4 and dipicted in Fig. 4.4 to 4.10.

4.4 Fruit set (%)

Data pertaining to fruit set are presented in Table 4.2 and illustrated in Fig.

4.4. It is obvious from data that effect of different treatments was very striking on fruit

set per cent. The maximum (78.57%) fruit set was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% +

borax 0.4%) which was statistically at par with T7 (78.46%), T4 (78.37%), T6 (78.13%)

and T5 (77.93%). The minimum (70.92%) fruit set was recorded in control.

4.5 Fruit drop (%)

Data presented in Table 4.2 and illustrated in Fig.4.6 clearly indicate that

all the treatments significantly decreased the fruit drop as compared to control.

The minimum (39.77%) fruit drop was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.4%), while maximum (56.53%) fruit drop was noted in control. However, high level of

both the micronutrients was more effective in reducing the fruit drop.

4.6 Fruit retention (%)

Data concerning to fruit retention are presented in Table 4.2 and exhibited

in Fig.4.5. A perusal of data revealed that different levels of boron and zinc

increased fruit retention as compared to control. The maximum fruit retention

(62.10%) was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while it was minimum

(43.47%) in control. Nevertheless, T6 and T7 remained statistically at par.

Table 4. 2: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit set (%), fruit drop (%)

and fruit retention (%) of winter season guava cv. L-49.

Treatment Fruit

Set (%)

Fruit

Drop (%)

Fruit

Retention (%)

T0 (Control) 70.92 56.53 43.47

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 76.43 48.59 51.41

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 77.78 44.27 55.73

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 77.43 47.91 52.09

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 78.37 43.04 56.93





S Em ± 0.36 0.32 0.39

C.D. at 5% 1.10 0.97 1.18


37

66.00

68.00

70.00

72.00

74.00

76.00

78.00

80.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Fru

it s

et

%

Treatment

Fig. 4.4 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit set (%) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Fru

it d

rop

(%

)

Treatment

Fig. 4.5 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit drop (%) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Fru

it r

ete

nti

on

(%

)

Treatment

Fig. 4.6 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit retention (%) of winter season guava cv. L-49


38

4.7 Time taken for first flowering (days)

Data concerning to days to first flowering are presented in Table 4.3 and

illustrated in Fig.4.7. It is obvious from data present in Table that a considerable

decreased number of days taken for first flowering as compared to control. The

minimum (35 days) number of days taken for first flowering was recorded with

T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while the maximum number of days (41 days) taken

for first flowering were noted in control. T8 was statistically at par with treatments T7

(36.33 days) and T4 (36.67 days).

4.8 Time taken for 50% flowering (days)

It is evident from data presented in Table 4.3 and exhibited in Fig.4.8 that

different levels of zinc and boron caused spectacular effect on time taken for 50%

flowering. The minimum (44 days) number of days taken for 50% flowering was

recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while maximum number of days (50

days) taken for 50% flowering was noted in control. Not with standing T8 was

statistically at par with treatments T7.

Table 4.3: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken for first

flowering (days) and time taken for 50% flowering (days) in winter

season guava cv. L-49

Treatment Time taken for first

flowering (days)

Time taken for 50%

flowering (days)

T0 (Control) 41.00 50.00

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 39.33 48.33

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 38.67 47.67

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 37.67 46.67

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 36.67 45.67

T5 (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 37.00 46.00




S Em ± 0.61 0.61

C.D. at 5% 1.85 1.85


39

32.00

34.00

36.00

38.00

40.00

42.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Tim

e t

ake

n f

or

firs

t fl

ow

eri

ng

(day

s)

Treatment

Fig. 4.7 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken

for first flowering (days) in winter season guava cv. L-49

40.00

42.00

44.00

46.00

48.00

50.00

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8Tim

e t

ake

n f

or

50

% f

low

eri

ng

(day

s)

Treatment

Fig. 4.8 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken

for 50% flowering (days) in winter season guava cv. L-49


40

4.9 Number of fruits per tree

Data pertaining to number of fruits per tree are presented in Table 4.4 and

illustrated in Fig. 4.9. It is obvious from data that effect of different treatments was

very striking on number of fruits per tree. The maximum (241.84) number of fruits

per tree was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + borax 0.4%), while the minimum (172)

number of fruits per tree was recorded in control. However, T7, T6, T5, T4 and T2 did

not differ statistically significant among themselves.

4.10 Yield per tree (kg)

Data concerning to yield per tree are presented in Table 4.4 and dipicted in

Fig. 4.10. An examination of data clearly indicated that all the treatments

significantly increased fruit yield as compared to control. The maximum

(57.84kg) fruit yield was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while

minimum (26.60 kg) fruit yield was noted in control. However, T5 and T4 remained

statistically at par.

Table 4.4: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on yield attributes (no. of

fruits/tree and yield per tree) of winter season guava cv. L-49

Treatment No. of fruits

per tree

Yield

per tree

(kg)

T0 (Control) 172.00 26.60

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 183.50 29.83

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 196.83 34.09

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 191.17 35.46

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 204.33 42.14





S Em ± 3.47 0.76

C.D. at 5% 10.40 2.28


41

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Nu

mb

er

of

fru

its

pe

r tr

ee

Treatment

Fig. 4.9 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of

fruits per tree of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Yie

ld (

kg)

Treatment

Fig. 4.10 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on fruit

yield (kg) of winter season guava cv. L-49


42

Physio - chemical composition of fruits

Physical Parameters

To study the physical parameters of guava fruits various physical characters such

as average fruit weight, volume of fruit, specific gravity, polar and radial diameter of

fruit, pulp thickness, pulp weight, seed weight, number of seeds per fruit, seed/pulp ratio,

pulp percentage and seed percentage of fruit were taken into consideration which are

presented in Tables 4.5 to 4.8 and illustrate in Fig. 4.11 to 4.26.

4.11 Average fruit weight (g)

Data concerning to average fruit weight have been presented in Table 4.5

and exhibited in Fig 4.11. It is evident from table that there was a spectacular

increase in average fruit weight by application of different treatments. The

maximum (239.18 g) average fruit weight was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% +

Borax 0.4%), while minimum (154.46 g) fruit weight was noted in control. Not with

standing T8 and T7, T4 and T6 remained statistically comparable to one-another.

4.12 Volume of fruit (ml)

Data presented in Table 4.5 and illustrated in Fig.4.12 clearly indicate that

all the treatment increased volume of fruit as compared to control. The maximum

(230.77ml) volume of fruit was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while

minimum (159.02 ml) fruit volume was noted in control. However, T8 is remained

statistically at par with T7.

4.13 Specific gravity (w/v)

Data pertaining to specific gravity of fruit are presented in Table 4.5 and

depicted in Fig.4.13. A perusal of data clearly reflects that there was an increase

in specific gravity of fruit by application of different treatments. The maximum

(1.03) specific gravity of fruit was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%),

while minimum (0.97) was noted in control. However, T8 remained statistically at par

with T7.


43

Table 4.5: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on average fruit weight (g),

volume (ml) and specific gravity (w/v) of winter season guava

Treatment

Average

fruit

weight

(g)

Volume

of fruit

(ml)

Specific

gravity (w/v)

T0(Control) 154.46 159.02 0.97

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 162.67 163.02 0.99

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 173.33 173.31 1.00

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 185.33 187.05 0.99

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 206.30 202.90 1.01





S Em ± 3.58 3.70 0.005

C.D. at 5% 10.76 11.09 0.017


44

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Ave

rage

fru

it w

eig

ht

(g)

Treatment

Fig. 4.11 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on average

fruit weight (g) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Vo

lum

e o

f fr

uit

(m

l)

Treatment

Fig. 4.12 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on volume

(ml) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.94

0.96

0.98

1.00

1.02

1.04

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Spe

cifi

c gr

avit

y (w

/v)

Treatment

Fig. 4.13 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on specific

gravity (w/v) of winter season guava cv. L-49


45

4.14 Polar diameter (cm)

It is obvious from data presented in Table 4.6 and exhibited in Fig. 4.14

that all the treatments increased polar diameter of fruit as compared to control.

The maximum (7.30 cm) polar diameter of fruit was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4

0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while minimum (5.80 cm)) polar diameter of fruit was noted in

control. Nevertheless, T8 and T6, T5 and T6, T5 and T7 remained statistically comparable

to one-another.

4.15 Radial diameter (cm)

Data concerning to radial diameter of fruit are presented in Table 4.6 and

illustrated in Fig.4.15. It is evident from table that all the treatment increased

radial diameter of fruit as compared to control. The maximum (7.12 cm) radial

diameter of fruit was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while minimum

(5.68 cm)) radial diameter of fruit was noted in control. However, T8 remained

statistically at par with T6 and T5.

Table 4.6: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on polar diameter (cm) and

radial diameter (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49

Treatment Polar diameter

(cm)

Radial diameter

(cm)

T0 (Control) 5.80 5.68

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 5.93 5.80

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 6.30 6.12

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 6.38 6.21

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 6.72 6.51





S Em ± 0.13 0.19

C.D. at 5% 0.40 0.58


46

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Po

lar

dia

me

ter

(cm

)

Treatment

Fig. 4.14 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on polar

diameter (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

8.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Rad

ial d

iam

ete

r (c

m)

Treatment

Fig. 4.15 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on radial

diameter (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49


47

4.16 Pulp thickness (cm)

Data presented in table 4.7 and depicted in Fig. 4.16 clearly indicate that

there was an increase in pulp thickness by application of different treatments over

control. The highest (1.67 cm) pulp thickness was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8%

+ Borax 0.4%), while lowest (1.30 cm)) pulp thickness of fruit was noted in control.

However, there was no statistical difference among T1, T4 and T6.

4.17 Pulp weight (g)

Data concerning to pulp are shown in Table 4.7 and illustrated in Fig.4.17.

It is obvious from data that all the treatments increased pulp weight as compared

to control. The maximum (237.48 g) pulp weight was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4

0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while minimum (150.81 g) pulp weight of fruit was noted in

control. Not with standing, T8 and T7 remained statistically comparable.

4.18 Pulp per cent

It is evident from data presented in Table 4.7 and dipicted in Fig.4.18 that

all the treatments considerably increase pulp per cent of fruit in comparison to

control. The highest (99.28%) pulp was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.4%), while lowest (97.63%)) pulp was noted in control. However, T8, T7, T6 and T4 did

not differ significantly among themselves.

Table 4.7: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp thickness (cm), pulp

weight (g) and pulp per cent of winter season guava cv. L-49

Treatment

Pulp

thickness

(cm)

Pulp

weight

(g)

Pulp

Per cent

T0 (Control) 1.30 150.81 97.63

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 1.47 160.45 98.63

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 1.53 171.39 98.88

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 1.50 183.38 98.94

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 1.60 204.54 99.14





S Em ± 0.04 3.90 0.06

C.D. at 5% 0.12 11.71 0.20


48

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Pu

lp t

hic

kne

ss (

cm)

Treatment

Fig. 4.16 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp

thickness (cm) of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Pu

lp w

eig

ht

(g)

Treatment

Fig. 4.17 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp weight (g)

of winter season guava cv. L-49

96.50

97.00

97.50

98.00

98.50

99.00

99.50

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Pu

lp p

erc

en

t

Treatment

Fig. 4.18 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on pulp per cent



49

4.19 Number of seeds per fruit

Data concerning to number of seeds per fruit are shown in Table 4.8 and

illustrated in Fig.4.19. A perusal of data revealed that all the treatments

considerably decreased number of seeds per fruit as compared to control. The

lowest number of seeds per fruit (230.16) was recorded with T6 (ZnSO4 0.8% +

Borax 0.2%), while greatest (310.02) number of seeds per fruit was noted in control.

Not with standing T6 remained statistically at par with T8, T5, T7, T2 and T2.

4.20 Seed weight (g)

It is obvious from data presented in Table 4.8 and exhibited in Fig.4.20

clearly showed that different levels of boron and zinc decreased seed weight as

compared to control. The lowest (1.70 g) seed weight was recorded with T8

(ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while highest (3.65 g) seed weight was noted in control.

4.21 Seed per cent

Data pertaining to seed per cent are presented in Table 4.8 and illustrated

in Fig.4.21. It is clear from data that different levels of boron and zinc decreased

seed % as compared to control. The minimum seed (0.710%) was recorded with

T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while maximum (2.36%) seed was noted in control.

However, T8 and T7 could not differ significantly between them.

4.22 Seed/pulp ratio

Data with regards to seed pulp ratio are presented in Table 4.8 and

illustrated in Fig.4.22. A perusal of data indicates that all the treatments

decreased seed pulp ratio as compared to control. The minimum seed pulp ratio

(0.007) was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while it was maximum

(0.024) in control.


50

Table 4.8 : Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of seeds per fruit,

seed weight (g), seed per cent and seed/pulp ratio of winter season guava

cv. L-49

Treatment

No. of

seeds

per fruit

Seed

weight

(g)

Seed

percent

Seed/pulp

ratio

T0 (Control) 310.02

3.65 2.360 0.024

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 239.39

2.22 1.363 0.013

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 234.32

1.94 1.110 0.011

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 291.68

1.95 1.050 0.010

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 295.43

1.76 0.850 0.008

T5 (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 233.41

1.90 0.980 0.009


1.87 0.870 0.008


1.74 0.750 0.007


1.70 0.710 0.007

S Em ± 3.80 0.03 0.043 0.0008

C.D. at 5% 11.40 0.09 0.131 0.0025


51

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Nu

mb

er

of

see

ds

pe

r fr

uit

Treatment

Fig. 4.19 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on number of

seeds per fruit of winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

See

d w

eig

ht

(g)

Treatment

Fig. 4.20 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on seed weight (g)



52

0.000

0.500

1.000

1.500

2.000

2.500

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

See

d p

erc

en

t

Treatment

Fig. 4.21 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on seed per cent


0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

See

d/p

ulp

rat

io

Treatment

Fig. 4.22 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on Seed/pulp ratio



53

Chemical parameters

To determine the quality, the fruits were analyzed for the estimation of

acidity, total soluble solids (T.S.S.) and ascorbic acid. Data generated for these

attributes are discussed below under appropriate heads.

4.23 Total soluble solids (0Brix)

Data noted with regards to TSS are presented in Table 4.9 and illustrated

in Fig.4.23. It is clear from data that different levels of boron and zinc

spectacularly increased TSS as compared to control. The maximum TSS

(12.650Brix) was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while minimum

(09.500Brix) TSS was noted in control. T8, T7, T4, T5 and T3 did not differ significantly

among themselves.

4.24 Acidity (%)

It is evident from data presented in Table 4.9 and exhibited in Fig. 4.24

that different levels of boron and zinc considerably acidity as compared to

control. The lowest acidity (0.20%) was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.4%), while it was highest (0.37%) in control. However, T4 and T7 could not differ

significantly between them.

4.25 TSS/Acid ratio

Data pertaining to TSS/acid ratio are shown in Table 4.9 and illustrated in

Fig.4.25. An examination of data revealed that all the treatments increased

TSS/acid as compared to control. The maximum TSS/acid (63.25) was recorded

with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%), while it was minimum (25.67) in control.

4.26 Ascorbic acid (mg/100g)

It is evident from data presented in Table 4.9 and exhibited in Fig.4.26

increased ascorbic acid content of fruit significantly as compared to control. The

highest (210.86 mg/100g) ascorbic acid content was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8%

+ Borax 0.4%), while it was lowest (142.26mg/100g pulp) in control. Nevertheless, T7,

T6, T5, T4 and T3 did not differ statistically significant among themselves.


54

Table 4.9: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on TSS (0 Brix), acidity (%),

TSS/acid ratio and ascorbic acid (mg/100 g) of winter season guava cv. L-

49

Treatment TSS

(0Brix)

Acidity

(%)

TSS/acid

ratio

Ascorbic

acid

content

(mg/

100g pulp)

T0 (Control) 9.50 0.37 25.67 142.26

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 10.25 0.31 33.06 152.42

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 11.95 0.26 45.96 161.21

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 11.61 0.29 40.03 167.34

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 12.17 0.23 52.91 174.76

T5 (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 11.95 0.28 42.67 180.58




S Em ± 0.29 0.005 2.74 3.04

C.D. at 5% 0.89 0.017 8.21 9.13


55

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

T.S.

S. (

0 Bri

x)

Treatment

Fig. 4.23 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on TSS (0brix) of

winter season guava cv. L-49

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Aci

dit

y (%

)

Treatment

Fig. 4.24 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on acidity

(%) of winter season guava cv. L-49


56

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

TSS/

acid

rat

io

Treatment

Fig. 4.25 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on TSS/acid ratio


0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

T0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Asc

orb

ic a

cid

(m

g/1

00

g)

Treatment

Fig. 4.26 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on ascorbic

acid (mg/100 g) content of winter season guava cv. L-49


57

4.27 Economic analysis

A critical examination of data presented in Table 4.10 and Fig. 4.27

revealed that boron and zinc increased the net returns and B: C ratio. Maximum net

returns (Rs 315506.89/ ha) was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.2%) and

minimum (Rs 127793.51/ ha) was noted in control. The maximum B: C ratio (8.43:1) was

also recorded with borax 0.4% + 0.8% zinc sulphate while it was minimum (3.70: 1) in

control.

Table 4.10: Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on economics of winter season

guava cv. L-49

Treatment Treatment

Cost (Rs)

Total

Expenditure

(Rs)

Gross

Income

(Rs)

Net

Income

(Rs)

C:B

ratio

T0 (Control) 0.0 34500.0 162293.51 127793.51 1:3.70

T1 (Zinc Sulphate 0.4%) 2757.46 37257.46 182000.58 144743.12 1:3.88

T2 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8%) 2815.18 37315.18 207991.95 170676.77 1:4.57

T3 (Borax 0.2%) 2737.4 37237.4 216350.67 179113.27 1:4.81

T4 (Borax 0.4%) 2774.8 37274.8 257107.09 219832.29 1:5.89

T5 (Borax 0.2%+ Zinc

Sulphate 0.4%) 2794.86 37294.86 251615.96 214321.1 1:5.74


Sulphate 0.8%) 2852.58 37352.58 290358.96 253006.38 1:6.77


Sulphate 0.4%) 2832.26 37332.26 321780.45 284448.19 1:7.61


Sulphate 0.8%) 2889.98 37389.98 352896.87 315506.89 1:8.43

Chapter V

Discussion

Nutrients play a vital role in growth and development of fruit trees. Foliar

application of nutrients is comparatively more effective for rapid recovery of plant,

affected with high pH condition. The Foliar feeding of fruit tree has gained much

importance in recent years. The fertilizers applied through soil are required in higher

quantities because some portion leaches down and some portion become unavailable to

the plant due to complex soil reaction. Nutrient application can be manipulated for the

exploitation of plant to higher yield and quality fruits. Keeping this in view, the present

experiment entitled “Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on growth, fruiting, yield

and quality of winter season guava (Psidium guajava L) cv. L-49” was undertaken to

generate further information. The results obtained during the course of investigation have

been discussed in light of literature available on guava as well as other fruit crops to make

the findings of the present investigation logical and meaningful.

(A) Growth character

It is evident from the data presented in the preceding chapter that different

treatments had significant effect on vegetative growth characters viz. terminal

length of shoot, number of leaves per shoot and leaf area per shoot.

The maximum value for terminal length of shoot, number of leaves per shoot and

leaf area per shoot were reported with the foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + borax 0.4%

followed by ZnSO4 0.4% + borax 0.4%. These results are similar to the findings of

Bangali et al. (1993); Balakrishnan (2001); Abdollahi et al. (2010); Kumar et al.

(2010) and Khan et al. (2012).

Zinc is essential for auxin and protein synthesis, Seed production and

proper maturity of fruits. Increased vegetative growth might be due to residual effect of

higher concentration of auxins in plant which produced high leaf to fruit ratio ultimate

cause of higher amount of photosynthates. While Boron has a key role in cell division

and elongation, and there by increased vegetative growth. A notable characteristics

of borax is that it directly effects photosynthesis activity of plants. The higher vegetative

Discussion

59

growth due to combined application of higher concentration of Zinc and boron may be

attributed to their stimulatory effect on plant metabolism.

(B) Fruiting and yield characters

It is evident from the data presented in Table 4.2 that different treatments

had significant effect on reproductive characters of tree (fruit set, fruit retention

and fruit drop percentage).

Maximum fruit set and fruit retention and minimum fruit drop were recorded with

foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + borax 0.4% followed by ZnSO4 0.4% + borax 0.4%.

These results are similar to the findings of Bagali et al. (1993); Balakrishnan

(2001); Prasad et al. (2005); Shukla (2011) and Yadav et al. (2011) in guava.

Dahiya et al. (1993) and EI-Sherif et al. (2000) also reported that fruit set

percentage was increased by zinc spray.

Wright (1956) suggested that primitive effect of growth substances in

greater retention of fruit may be attributed to reduction in fruit drop. There is

correlation between fruit drop and endogenous hormonal status, and existence of

high level of internal auxin is useful for preventing fruit drop. Since high level of

endogenous hormones might help in building up endogenous hormone at

appropriate level that might be potent enough to reduce the fruit drop. The

increased fruit retention due to zinc spray might be due prevention in fruit drop

owing to increased auxin concentration to distal end of fruits.

By the foliar application of boron the fruit drop is reduced because boron

plays an important role in translocation of carbohydrate, synthesis of auxin and

enhancing pollen viability and fertilization.

Time taken for 50% flowering was minimum with the foliar spray of ZnSO4

0.8% + borax 0.4% followed by ZnSO4 0.4% + borax 0.4%. These results collaborate

the findings of Balakrishnan (2001) and Prasad et al. (2005).

It is evident from the data presented in Table 4.4 and depicted in Fig. 4.9

and 4.10 that different treatments had significant effect on number of fruits per

tree and yield per tree.

Discussion

60

The maximum fruit yield (57.84 kg per tree and 241.84 fruits per tree) was

achieved by foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% followed by T7 (ZnSO4 0.4% +

Borax 0.4% and T6 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8% + Borax 0.2%). These results are in conformity

with the findings of Brahmachari and Kumar (1997) in guava, Singh et al. (1993) in

guava cv. L-49, Kundu and Mitra (1999); EI-Sherif et al. (2000) and Singh et al. (2004);

Kumar et al. (2010); Khan et al. (2012) and Trivedi et al. (2012).

The results revealed that the combination of boron and zinc produced an additive

effect on the yield. Increased fruit yield was obtained due to combined application of

higher concentration of both the nutrients (Zn and B). This is due to fact that spraying of

borax provides boron to the plant. It is believed that boron brings about inactivation of

superfluous growth hormone by formation of complex compound. The importance of this

element in improving the physiological activities of plant is well established but it is not

clear whether it influences directly or indirectly. These activities might have improved

radial and polar diameter of fruit which ultimately increased the yield of fruit.

(C)Physio-chemical composition of fruit

(1) Physical parameters of fruit

The results obtained in present investigation revealed that various physical

parameters i.e. average fruit weight, fruit volume, specific gravity, pulp thickness,

pulp weight, pulp per cent, polar diameter, radial diameter, number of seeds per fruit,

seed weight, seed percentage and seed pulp ratio were significantly affected by

application of different chemicals.

It is evident from the data presented in Table 4.5 and illustrated in Fig.4.11

that different treatments had significant effect on fruit weight. Fruit weight was

significantly increased with different treatments. The maximum fruit weight

(239.18 g) was obtained with foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% followed by T7

(ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.4%) and T6 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8% + Borax 0.2%). These findings

are in conformity with the results reported by EI-Sherif et al; (2000), Das et al; (2001),

Singh et al. (2004), Khan et al. (2012) and Trivedi et al. (2012). The results further

revealed that the combination of boron and zinc produced an additive effect on the fruit

weight.

Discussion

61

Increase in fruit weight may be attributed to the strengthening of middle lamella

and consequently cell wall, which later may have increased the free passage of solutes to

the fruits. Zinc is essential for auxin and protein synthesis, seed production and

proper maturity of fruits, while Boron has a key role in cell division and

elongation and there by increases fruit weight. The higher fruit weight due to

combined application of higher concentrations of Zinc and boron may be attributed to

their stimulatory effect on plant metabolism.

Maximum fruit volume at harvest was recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4

0.8% + Borax 0.4% followed by ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.4% and ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.2%. The results corroborate the findings of Pal et al. (2008).The increase in fruit

size due to the increase in volume of guava fruit may be explained due to fact that

higher concentration of mineral nutrients (Boron and zinc) appears to have

indirect role in hastening the process of cell division and cell elongation due to

which volume of fruits might have improved.

It has been observed that foliar application of different treatments proved

beneficial in increasing the polar and radial diameter of fruit in comparison to control.

The maximum polar diameter (7.30 cm) and radial diameter (7.12 cm) were recorded

with Borax 0.4% + Zinc sulphate 0.8%. The minimum polar diameter and radial diameter

were recorded under control. These results are in conformity with those reported by

Chaitanya et al.(1997), Singh et at. (2004) and Trivedi et al. (2012).This increase in polar

diameter and radial diameter of guava fruit may be explained due to fact that mineral

nutrients (Boron and Zinc) appear to have direct role in hastening the process of cell

division and cell elongation due to which size might have improved.

The maximum pulp thickness (1.67 cm), pulp weight (237.48 g), pulp per cent

(99.28 %) and minimum seed pulp ratio (0.007) were recorded with foliar spray of

ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% followed by T7 (ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.4%). These results

are in accordance with the findings of Singh et al. (2004). Increased vegetative growth

due to residual effects of higher concentration of auxins in plant which resulted in high

leaf to fruit ratio there by contribution accumulation of higher amount of photosynthates

which increased finally pulp weight, pulp thicknes, pulp percentage and minimized seed:

pulp ratio.

Discussion

62

The reduced number of seeds (230.16) and seed weight (1.70 g) were

reported ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.2% and ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%, respectively. The

reduced number of seed is recorded with higher concentration of micronutrients

and their combinations might be due to their dominating role in accumulation of

more flesh in the fruit.

(2) Chemical parameters of fruits

Analysis of data clearly indicates that application of boron and zinc

significantly improved the fruit quality of guava in terms of TSS, ascorbic acid,

TSS/acid ratio and percent acidity.

The highest increase in T.S.S. (12.65 0Brix) was noticed with foliar spray

of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% followed by T7 (ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.4%) as clear from

table 4.9. Similar results were also reported by Chaitayna et al. (1997) in guava, Prabu

and singaram (2001) in grape, Trivedi et al. (2012).The increase in TSS due to spray of

boron might be due to fact that boron helps in sugar transport and there by triggering the

accumulation of more sugars in fruits. A notable characteristics of borax is that it directly

effects photosynthesis activity of plants.

Acidity of fruits was reduced by application of all the treatments.

However, the maximum reduction was noted with ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%

followed by T7 (ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.4%). These results are in close conformity with

the findings of Ingle et al. (1993) in guava; Singh and Brahmachari (1999); Singh et al.

(2004), Trivedi et al.(2012). The reduction in content of acid in fruit with borex treatment

might be due to hastening process of ripening during which degradation of acid might

have occurred and helped in preventing excessive polymerization of sugar and

accumulation of more sugar in the cells of plant. It also appears that total soluble solids

increase at the expense of acidity in tropical and subtropical fruit. The acid under the

influence of borax might have been fastly converted into sugars and their derivatives by

the reaction involving the reversal of glycolytic path way or might have been used in

respiration.

The highest TSS/ acid ratio (63.25) was also reported with foliar spray of

ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% under Varanasi condition. A consistent decrease in acid

content and increase in TSS resulted into an increase in TSS/acid ratio. It may be

Discussion

63

due to increased sugar and reduced leaf starch content, as a result of

transformation of starch into sugar and its translocation into the fruits.

Foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% also resulted in maximum

ascorbic acid content (210.86 mg/100g pulp) as evident from table 4.9. The

higher concentrations of boron and zinc increased the ascorbic acid content of

fruit. These results are in conformity with the findings of Singh et al. (2004), Khan et al

.(2012) in citrus and Trivedi et al. (2012). It may be due to the possible influence of

these micro nutrients on biosynthesis of ascorbic acid from sugars or inhibition of

oxidative enzymes or both.

(D) Economic analysis

It is evident from the data presented in Table 4.10 and illustrated in

Fig.4.27 that application of boron and Zinc increased the net returns and B: C ratio.

The maximum net return (Rs. 315506.89/ ha.) was recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% +

Borax 0.4%) followed by T7 (ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.4%) and T6 (Zinc Sulphate 0.8% +

Borax 0.2%) and the minimum (Rs 127793.51/ ha.) was noted in control. It is evident that

the highest yield with maximum gross return (Rs.322896.86/ha.) was found with the

application of treatment T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% ) and with respect to economic

viability the treatment T8 (ZnSO4 0.4%) is also better as compared to all other treatments.

Maximum B: C ratio (8.43: 1) was reported with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% )

whereas, minimum (3.70: 1) in control. Though the yield with T8 (ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.4% ) was highest due to more net income. Maximum B: C ratio was recorded with T8.

Chapter VI

Summary, Conclusions and Suggestions

6.1. Summary:

The present investigation entitled “The Effect of different levels of boron and zinc

on growth, fruiting, yield and quality of winter season guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv.

L-49” was carried out in the Fruit Research Farm, Horticulture Unit, B.H.U., Varanasi,

U.P. during the year 2012-2013.

A significant improvement was recorded in the vegetative characters of the

tree (length of terminal shoot, number of leaves per shoot, leaf area/shoot),

flowering and fruiting characters of tree, (fruit set, fruit drop and fruit retention

per cent, time taken for first flowering, time taken for 50% flowering, number of

fruits per tree, yield per tree ) physical characteristics of the fruit (average fruit

weight, volume of fruit, specific gravity of fruit, polar diameter and radial

diameter of fruit at harvest, pulp thickness, pulp weight, pulp percentage, number

of seeds per fruit, seed weight, seed percentage, seed / pulp ratio) and chemical

attributes of the fruit (acidity, total soluble solids, TSS/acid ratio, ascorbic acid

content) due to different levels of zinc and boron over control.

(A) Growth characters of tree

The Length of terminal shoot was significantly affected by application of various

chemicals. Maximum length of terminal shoot (38.12 cm) was recorded with foliar spray

of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%, whereas it was minimum (28.02 cm) in control. Number

of leaves per shoot was significantly affected by application of various chemicals. The

highest number of leaves (26.23) was recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.4%, whereas the lowest (15.95) number of leaves was recorded in control. Leaf area per

shoot was significantly affected by application of various chemicals. The maximum leaf

area per shoot (628.21 cm2) was recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax

0.4%, whereas it was minimum (528.88 cm2) in control.

(B) Flowering, fruiting and yield characters of tree

Fruit set was significantly affected by different levels of zinc and boron. The

highest fruit set (78.57 %) was recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%,


65

whereas it was lowest minimum (70.92%) in control. Similarly, Fruit drop per cent was

also significantly influenced by application of boron and zinc. The minimum of fruit drop

(39.77%) was recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%, it was lowest

(56.53%) in control. Fruit retention was significantly affected by application of boron and

zinc. The greatest fruit retention (60.23%) was recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4

0.8% + Borax 0.4%, whereas minimum (43.47%) in control. The minimum number of

days taken to first flowering (after first foliar spray) was recorded as 35 days with foliar

spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%, whereas it was maximum being 41 days in control.

The minimum number of days taken for 50% flowering was noted as 44 days with foliar

spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% , whereas it was maximum being 50 days in control.

The greatest number of fruits per tree (241.84), average fruit weight (239.18)

and yield per tree (49.88kg) were observed with ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%, while lowest

number of fruits per tree (181.33), average fruit weight (181.33g) and yield per tree

(57.84 kg) were recorded in control.

(C) Physio-chemical composition of fruit

(1) Physical parameters of fruit

Various physical parameters of fruit were significantly enhanced by

application of different chemicals. The highest fruit weight (239.18 g), fruit

volume (230.77 ml), specific gravity (1.03), polar diameter of fruit at harvest (7.30 cm),

radial diameter of fruit at harvest (7.12 cm) pulp thickness (1.67 cm), pulp weight

(237.48 g), pulp per cent (99.28 %), and lowest number of seeds per fruit (230.16), seed

weight (1.70), seed per cent (0.71%), seed pulp ratio (0.007), was recorded with foliar

spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%.

(2) Chemical parameters of fruits

Various chemical parameters of fruit were significantly affected by

application of different chemicals. The maximum TSS (12.650 Brix), ascorbic acid

content of fruit (210.86 mg/100g pulp), TSS/acid ratio (63.25) and minimum acidity(

0.20%), were recorded with foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4%.


66

(D) Economic analysis:

Effect of different levels of boron and zinc increased the net returns and B: C

ratio. The maximum net returns (Rs.315506.89/ ha) with highest B:C ratio (8.43:1) was

recorded with T8 (ZnSO4 0.4% + Borax 0.2% ). The minimum net returns and B:C ratio

were realized in control.

6.2. Conclusions:

On the basis of results obtained in the present investigation it is concluded

that foliar spray of ZnSO4 0.8% + Borax 0.4% was found to be most beneficial

treatment for maximum increase in length of terminal shoot, number of leaves per

shoot, leaf area per shoot, fruit set, fruit retention, fruit yield (kg per tree),

number of fruits per tree ,average weight of fruit, volume of fruit, specific gravity

,pulp thickness, pulp weight, , pulp per cent, polar length and diameter of fruit,

and reduction in time taken for first flowering, time taken for 50% flowering,

seed per cent and seed/pulp ratio which ultimately increased the yield per tree.

Various quality parameters like TSS, TSS/acid ratio were improved and

fruit drop and acidity were reduced with the foliar application of ZnSO4 0.8% +

Borax 0.4% On the basis of economic analysis, Borax 0.4%+zinc sulphate 0.8%

was found to be economically viable treatment.

6.3. Suggestions for further work:

The following suggestions are proposed for further work on the basis of present

study:

1. The present investigation should be repeated to confirm the findings.

2. The experiment should be attempted with other chemicals also.

3. The experiment should be done with other varieties as well as.

Bibliography

A.O.A.C. (1970) Official methods of analysis. Association of the Official Analytical

chemists, Washington D.C. 8th Edn.

Abdollahi, M. Eshghi, S. and Tafazoli, E. (2010) Interaction of paclobutrazol, boron and

zinc on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria x

ananassa Duch. cv. Selva). Journal of Biological & Environmental Sciences, 4:

11, 67-75.

Adsule, R.N. and Kadam S.S. (1995). In: Handbook of Fruit Science and Technology-

Production, Composition, Storage and Processing (Eds. D.K. Salunkhe and S.S.

Kadam), Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, pp. 419-433.

Awasthi, P. and Lal, S; (2009) Effect of calcium, boron and zinc foliar sprays on the yield

and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.). Pantnagar J. Res. 7: 2, 223-225.

Babu, N. and Singh, A. R. (1998).Effect of boron, zinc and copper sprays on growth and

development of Litchi fruits. Punjab Horticulture Journal. 34(3-4): 75-79

Bagali, A. N; Hulamani, N. C. and Sulikeri, G. S. (1993). Effect of foliar application of

zinc, magnesium and boron on growth and yield of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

cv. Sardar. Karnataka J. Agric. Sci. 6 (2): 137-141.

Balakrishnan, K. (2000). Foliar spray of zinc, iron, boron and magnesium on vegetative

growth, yield and quality of guava. Ann. Plant Physiol. 14 (2): 151-153.

Balakrishnan, K. (2001). Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on guava. Madras

Agric. J. 88 (4/6): 316-317.

Banik, B.C.; Sen, S.K. and Bose, T.K. (1997). Effect of Zinc, Iron and Boron in

combination with urea on growth, flowering, fruiting and quality of mango cv.

Fazli, Environ. Ecol. 15(1): 122-125.

Bhatia, S.K., Yadav,S., Ahlawat V.P. and Dahiya S.S. (2001). Effect of foliar application

of nutrients on the yield and fruit quality of winter season guava cv. L-49.

Haryana. J. Hort. Sci. 30 (1&2): 6-7.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.8.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=NLNCFPABCEDDPHENNCOKLFDCIFFNAA00&Complete+Reference=S.sh.14%7c20%7c1





Bibliography

68

Chaitanya, C.G; Kumar, G; Rana B.L. and Muthew A.K. (1997). Effect of foliar

application of zinc and boron on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

cv. L-49. Haryana. J. Hort. Sci. 26 (1-2): 78-80.

Dahiya, S.S; Joon M.S. and Daulta B.S. (1993). Effect of foliar application of

micronutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49.

Indian J. Trop. Agric. 11 (4): 284-286.

Das, A; Majumder K. and Majumdar B.C. (2001). Zinc sulphate induced higher

sweetness of rainy season guava fruits. Indian Agric. 44 (3&4): 199-201.

Dutta, P. and Banik, A.K. (2007). Effect of foliar feeding of nutrients and plant growth

regulators on physico-chemical quality of sardar guava grown in red and lateritic

tract of West Bengal. Acta Hort. 735: 407-411.

EL-Sherif, A.A:, Saeed, W.T.and Nouman, V. F. (2000). Effect of foliar application of

potassium and Zinc on behaviour of Monta Khab-EL-Kanater guava tree. Bulletin

of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Cairo. 51(1): 73-84.

Ingle, K. G; Khan M.A.H. and Kshirsagar R.E. (1993). Effect of foliar application of

nutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49. P. K. V.

Res. J. 17 (1): 78-80.

Kaul, O.P. and Mathew, A.K. (1999). Effect of foliar spray of calcium nitrate, zinc

sulphate and ethrel on the fruit characteristic of Floridasun peach (Prunus persica

Batch). Adv. Pl. Sci. 120 (2): 577-518.

Khan, A. S. Waseem Ullah Malik, Rashid A.U. Ahmad Saleem, B. A. Rajwana, I. A.

(2012) Exogenous applications of boron and zinc influence leaf nutrient status,

tree growth and fruit quality of Feutrell's Early (Citrus reticulata Blanco).

Pakistan J. Agri. Sci. 49 (2): 113-119.

Kumar, R.; Lal S. and Tiwari, J.P. (2010). Influence of zinc sulphate and boric acid spray

on vegetative growth and yield of winter season guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv.

Pant Prabhat. Pantnagar J. Res. 8(1): 135-138.

Kumar, S.; Kumar, S. and Verma D.K. (2004). Effect of micro-nutrients and NAA on

yield and quality of Litchi [(Litchi chinensis Garentn) Sonnj cv. Debradoon. Abst

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.4.1b/ovidweb.cgi?&S=PNLOFPPDPNDDFMDPNCBLOCJCGLALAA00&Search+Link=%22Dutta%2c+P%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.4.1b/ovidweb.cgi?&S=PNLOFPPDPNDDFMDPNCBLOCJCGLALAA00&Search+Link=%22Banik%2c+A+K%22.au.



Bibliography

69

in Proc. of International Seminar on Recent Trend in Hi-tech Hort. and PHT,

originated by C.S.A.U.A&T. Kanpur, Feb.4-6: 193.

Kumar, S; Singh, A.K. and Yadav, A. L. (2010) Effect of foliar application of GA3, NAA,

KNO3 and Borax on fruit quality of rainy season guava cv. Lucknow-49. Pl. Arch.

10 (1): 317-319.

Kundu, S. and Mitra S.K. (1999). Response of guava to foliar spray of copper, boron and

zinc. Indian Agric. 43 (1&2): 49-54.

Lal, G and Sen N.L. (2002). Flowering and fruiting of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv.

Allahabad safeda as influenced by application of nitrogen, zinc and manganese. J.

Eco. Physiol. 5 (3/4): 87-91. 47.

Lal, G. and Sen N.L.(2001). Effect of N, Zn and Mn fertilization on fruit quality of guava

(Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda. Haryana J. Hort. Sci. 30 (3/4): 209-

210.

Lone, I. A. (2007) Combined effect of soil and foliar application of boron and calcium on

yield and quality of apple cv. Red Delicious. Asian J. Soil Sci. 2 (1): 40-42.

Maksoud, M. A; Amera, A. F; Fekrya, H. K. and Lailia, F. H. (2004) Effect of boron

fertilization on growth, yield and fruit quality of olives. Arab Universities J. Agril.

Sci. 12 (1): 361-369.

Meena, R. P; Mohammed, S; Lakhawat, S. S. (2005). Effect of foliar application of urea

and zinc sulphate on fruit quality and yield of pruned guava trees (Psidium

guajava L.) cv. 'Sardar' under high density planting system. J. Hort. Sci. 11: 290-

93.

Mitra, S.K. and Bose T.K. (2001). Fruis: Tropical & Sub tropical VI. Naya Udyog,

Kolkata, pp 610-611.

Annonymous, NHB (2012). All India area, production and productivity of guava.

WWW.nhb.gov.in

Annonymous, NHB (2012). Stat wise area, production and productivity of guava.

WWW.nhb.gov.in.







Bibliography

70

Pal, A.; Pathak, R.K.; Krishan, P. and Singh, T. (2008). Effect of foliar application of

nutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits cv. Sardar.

Prog. Res. 3(1): 89-90.

Panse, V.G. and Sukhatme, P.V. (1985). Statistical method for agriculture workers.

Indian council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, p155.

Prabu, P. C. and Singaram, P. (2001) Effect of foliar and soil application of zinc and

boron on yield and quality of grapes cv. Muscat. Madras Agril. J. 88: 7/9, 505-

507.

Pradeep, W. and Sharma, O.N. (1997). Effect of soil and foliar application of zinc on

yield and quality of Kinnow. Haryana J. Hort. Sci. 23(13-14): 213-2 15.

Prasad,B; Das, S; Chatterjee,D; and Singh, U.P.(2005). Effect of foliar application ofurea,

zinc and boron on quality of guava. J. Ap. Biol. 15: (1) 48-50.

Raghava, M. and Tiwari, J. P. (1998) Effect of boron on growth, quality and shelf-life of

fruits of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar. Prog. Hort. 30: 1/2, 68-72.

Ranganna, S. (1977). Manual of analysis of fruits and vegetable products, Tata Mc Graw

Hill publication Company Ltd., New Delhi, India.

Sarolia, D. K.; Rathore, N. S. and Rathore, R. S. (2007). Response of Zinc sulphate and

Iron sulphate spray on growth and productivity of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv.

Sardar Curr. Agri. 31(1-2): 73-77.

Sandhu, A. S.; Singh S. S. Mann; G.P.Grewal and Sagar, D. (1994). Influence of sources

of zinc on growth and nutrient status of sand pear (Pyrus pyrfolia Braum. Nobai.),

Sixth International Symp. on Pear growing Med. Ford, Oregon, U.S.A. 12-14,

1993, Acta Hort No. 367: 323-328.

Sharma, R. K; Kumar, R. and Thakur, S. (1991). Effect of foliar feeding of potassium,

calcium and zinc on yield and quality of guava. Indian J. Horti, 48 (4): 312-314.

Shukla, A. K. (2011). Effect of foliar application of calcium and boron on growth,

productivity and quality of Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis). Indian J.

Agricl. Sci. 81 (7): 628-632.



http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.4.1b/ovidweb.cgi?&S=GCICFPKPMFDDAABBNCCLIGDCPLHMAA00&Search+Link=%22Sudhir+Das%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.4.1b/ovidweb.cgi?&S=GCICFPKPMFDDAABBNCCLIGDCPLHMAA00&Search+Link=%22Chatterjee%2c+D%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.4.1b/ovidweb.cgi?&S=GCICFPKPMFDDAABBNCCLIGDCPLHMAA00&Search+Link=%22Singh%2c+U+P%22.au.





Bibliography

71

Shukla, A.K; Kaushik, R.A; Pandey, D. and Sarolia, D.K. (2008). In: Guava. Published

by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and technology, Udaipur, pp:7.

Singh, R.S. and Vashistha (1997). Effect of foliar spray of nutrients on fruit drop, yield

and quality of ber cv. Seb. Haryana J. Hort .Sci. 26(1-2): 20-24.

Singh, R; Chaturvedi, O.P. and Singh, R. (2004). Effect of pre-harvest spray of Zinc,

boron and calcium on the physico- chemical quality of guava fruits (Psidium

guajava L.). International seminar on resent trend on Hi-tech. Hort. and P.H. T.

Kanpur, Feb 4-6, 2004:204.

Singh, R; Sharma, R. R; Moretti, C. L; Kumar, A. and Gupta, R. K. (2009) Foliar

application of calcium and boron influences physiological disorders, fruit yield

and quality of strawberry (F. x ananassa Duch.). Acta Horte. 842: 835-838.

Singh, U.P. and Brahmachari V.S. (1999). Effect of potassium, zinc, boron and

molybdenum on the physico-chemical composition of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

cv. Allahabad Safeda. Orissa J. Hort. 27 (2): 62-65.

Stampar, F; Hudina M. and Dolence, K. (1999). Influence of foliar fertilizer on yield and

quality of apple (Mallus domestica Borkh.) Kumar Academic Publisher, pp. 91-

94.

Trivedi, N; Singh,D; Bahadur, V; Prasad, V; M and Collis, J. P.(2012). Effect of foliar

application of zinc and boron on yield and fruit quality of guava (Psidium guajava

L.). Hort. Flora. Res. Spec. 3: 281-283

Wahid, A; Pathak, R.A. and Yadav, A. L. (1993) Effect of foliar applicationof nutrients

on guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda. Prog. Hort. 23: (1-4) 18-21

Wright, S.T.C. (1956). Studies of fruit development in relation to plant hormone

III. J. Hort. Sci. 31: 196-211.

Yadav, H.C.; Yadav, A.L.; Yadav, D.K. and Yadav P.K. (2011). Effect of foliar

application of micronutrients and GA3 on fruit yield and quality of rainy season

guava. Pl. Arch. 11(1): 147-149.




http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.8.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=MNFBFPHPBIDDFIBDNCOKFHFBOCECAA00&Search+Link=%22Nitin+Trivedi%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.8.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=MNFBFPHPBIDDFIBDNCOKFHFBOCECAA00&Search+Link=%22Devi+Singh%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.8.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=MNFBFPHPBIDDFIBDNCOKFHFBOCECAA00&Search+Link=%22Vijay+Bahadur%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.8.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=MNFBFPHPBIDDFIBDNCOKFHFBOCECAA00&Search+Link=%22Prasad%2c+V+M%22.au.

http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com/sp-3.8.1a/ovidweb.cgi?&S=MNFBFPHPBIDDFIBDNCOKFHFBOCECAA00&Search+Link=%22Collis%2c+J+P%22.au.

https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/search/?q=do%3a%22HortFlora+Research+Spectrum%22

Documents

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF BORON AND ZINC ON … · season guava cv. L-49 37 FIGURE: 4.7 Effect of different levels of boron and zinc on time taken for first flowering (days) in