Studies on Foliar Application of Nutrients on Biochemical Properties of Kinnow Mandarin

Abstract

Kinnow mandarin is an important citrus fruit crop valued for its nutritional quality and economic significance. Improvement in fruit biochemical characteristics through efficient nutrient management practices, particularly foliar nutrition, has gained considerable attention in citrus production. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of different nutrients on the biochemical properties and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin. The present investigation was conducted during 2023–25 on eleven-year-old Kinnow mandarin plants at the Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Eleven foliar nutrient treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications and a net plot size of 6.0 × 6.0 m. Observations were recorded on important biochemical quality parameters. The results revealed that foliar application of nutrients significantly influenced the biochemical characteristics of Kinnow fruits. Maximum values of juice content, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, TSS:acid ratio, non-reducing sugars and total sugars, along with desirable acidity levels, were obtained with foliar application of K₂SO₄ at 2.0%. Minimum peel content, rag content and peel thickness were recorded with foliar application of ZnSO₄ at 0.4%. The study indicates that foliar application of potassium and micronutrients can effectively improve the biochemical quality of Kinnow mandarin fruits and may be recommended for enhancing fruit quality under similar agro-climatic conditions.