IMPROVING FRUIT QUALITY OF WONDERFUL POMEGRANATE BY USING FOLIAR APPLICATION OF POTASSIUM, IRON AND BORON

Abstract

This study was carried out during 2017 and 2018 seasons, in order to investigate the effect of
single and combined application of potassium sulphate (K2SO4), ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and boric acid
(H3BO3) on fruit physical, chemical properties and maturation of Wonderful pomegranate trees grown in sandy
soil under Minia Governorate conditions. Results showed that increasing the concentration of K2SO4 from 0.5 to
1.5%, FeSO4 from 100 to 200 ppm or/and H3BO3 was very effective in fruit weight (g). While, the three
examined compounds significantly decreased fruit cracked (%) and fruit sunburned (%) during the two
experimental season. Application of the three examined compounds together significantly surpassed than
untreated control or each compound alone terms of improved fruit physical and chemical properties, while, juice
total acidity was significantly decreased. For producing favorable fruit physical properties of Wonderful
pomegranate grown under sandy soil, it is necessary to spray the trees with mixture of potassium sulphate at
1.5%, ferrous sulphate at 200 ppm and boric acid at 100 ppm three times yearly during the fruit growth cycle.