Journal Published Online: 11 July 2014
Volume 43, Issue 4

Improving Fruit Set, Yield and Fruit Quality of Date Palm ( , L. cv. Mnifi) Through Bunch Spray With Boron and Zinc

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Fertilization is one of the most important cultural practices in date palm orchards. Spraying micro-nutrients has an important role in fruit set, fruit retention, development, improved total yield, and fruit characteristics. The present study was conducted during the two successive seasons, 2011 and 2012, in order to investigate the effect of bunches sprayed with boron and/or zinc on fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of 10-year-old “Mnifi” date palm. Bunches were pollinated by placing 10 “Meghal” fresh male strands among female clusters during both seasons. Nine spraying treatments were performed twice; 2 h before pollination and 4 weeks after pollination. Results of the two seasons indicated that application of 1500 ppm boron +300 ppm zinc (B1 + Zn1) increased total yield/palm, fruit weight and volume, flesh weight, soluble solids content (SSC), and total and reducing sugars. Fruit set and titratable acidity were improved with spraying of 1500 ppm boron (B1). Fruit dimensions and moisture content increased with B1 treatment in the first season and B1 + Zn1 treatment in the second season. Application of boric acid alone (1500 ppm) or combined with zinc sulphate (300 ppm) to get a positive effect on fruit set, total yield, and fruit quality of “Mnifi” date palm could be recommended.

Author Information

Omar, Alaa El-Din
Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud Univ., Riyadh, SA Department of Horticulture (Pomology), Faculty of Agriculture, 33516 Kafrelsheikh Univ., EG
Ahmed, M.
Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud Univ., Riyadh, SA Department of Horticultural Crops Technology, National Research Center, Cairo, EG
Al-Obeed, R.
Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agriculture Science, King Saud Univ., Riyadh, SA
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE20130209
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20130209