Effect of Foliar Application of Potassium and Boron on Yield and Fruit Quality of "Florida Prince" Peach Trees

Abstract

Aims: study the effect of foliar application of potassium and boron on yield and fruit quality of "Florida Prince" peach trees. Study Design: The treatments were applied and arranged in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment included seven replicates with one tree for each replicate. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted during 2013 and 2014 seasons on "Florida Prince" Peach cultivar. The trees were at 8 years old and grafted on “Nemagard” rootstock. They were planted at 3.5 × 5 m apart and grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system in a private orchard located at El-Nubaria, Beheira governorate, Egypt. Methodology: Potassium sulphate with 1%, 1.5% and 2% was used in combination with + Boric acid with 0.1%, 0.2% and .05% two times at at fruit set and at the onset of coloring, in the two seasons. Results: Our obtained results proved that potassium sulphate (2%) + boric acid (0.05%) and potassium sulphate (2%) + boric acid (0.1%) were the best combinations. They gave the highest increment in fruit yield, quality and leaf and fruit mineral content from potassium and boron in the two seasons over control or the other treatments. Conclusion: The foliar application of potassium or boron singly has a good effect on yield and fruit quality of "Florida Prince" peach trees and by usage both of them in combination, their impact will be greater.