Role of Pre-Harvest Elicitors in Modifying Yield and Quality Parameters of Acid Lime cv. Balaji under Hasta Bahar Conditions

Abstract

Aims: This study examined the impact of preharvest elicitors, specifically glycine betaine, potassium silicate and salicylic acid, on the enhanced growth of acid lime trees (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Cv. Balaji, as measured by fruit yield, physical and biochemical parameters and fruit storability. Study Design: Eleven treatments and three replications were used in the Randomized Block Design (RBD) experiment. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at a private orchard in the Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu, close to the State Horticultural Farm in Aathur during 2024-25. Methodology: Treatments included T1 (25 mM) glycine betaine, T2 (50 mM) and T3 (75 mM) glycine betaine. T4 has 0.2 per cent potassium silicate, T5 contains 0.4 per cent potassium silicate and T6 contains 0.6 per cent potassium silicate. T7 - 50 ppm of salicylic acid, T8 - 100 ppm of salicylic acid and 150 ppm of salicylic acid T9, Water (T10) and Control (No Spray) (T11). Sprays were scheduled as follows: pre-bloom in early September (one month before flowering), post-peak bloom in early October and final application in early January by using a power sprayer. Results: According to the findings, trees treated with potassium silicate 0.4 per cent K2SiO3 had the highest fruit length (7.23 cm), fruit diameter (4.29 cm), fruit weight (82.35 g), yield per tree (9.73 kg), fruit juice (52.47 per cent), TSS (8.26 o Brix), ascorbic acid (53.47 (mg 100 g -1), acidity (6.21 per cent), total sugar (1.74 per cent), reducing sugar (0.83 per cent), non-reducing sugar (0.91 per cent), PLW (10.30 per cent) and shelf life (21.74 days). Conclusion: According to the research's evidence-based recommendations, potassium silicate 0.4 per cent K2SiO3 registered application is recommended for acid lime fruit production, fruit storability and fruit physical and biochemical characteristics.