Effect of Boron and Putrescene on Russet Asian pear (Pyrus spp. L.) under Subtropical Condition of Jharkhand Province of India

Abstract

A russet or brown spot in Asian pear is the most common phenomenon to the pear grower Particularly, when grown under subtropical to tropical climatic condition. Although one or two varieties of russet Asian pear cultivar developed for local consumption in New Zealand still substantial production of russet free Asian pear is a global demand as it is crunchy and tasty. ICAR-RCER, Research centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand where soil is acidic and boron deficiency is common and Pryrus prifolia produces small russet pear fruit. Hence, the objectives of the research work were non-cracking and ruseet free pear production by application of boron and production of quality fruit through the application of putrescence. Several attempts have been made so far but browning and fruit cracking were unpreventable which losses maximum production. Eight combinations of boron and putrescene were sprayed separately in 24 trees with one selected branch of each as replications. The experiment is laid out Randomized Block Design having three replications in each treatments and control plant was sprayed with only water. It has been found that T2 (T=treatment) Boron (0.2%) and Putrescene (0.1%) resulted in less russetting along with bigger fruit (324.66 g) and high TSS (14.0°B). Although, T6 treatment was at par with T2 in respect fruit size but remains second best following other characters. Regarding russet control, treatment T2 and T3 were at par having less lenticels (5-6) per square inch and look wise attractive