This investigation was carried out during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons on “Hollywood” plum trees, grown in loamy clay soil condition at Sendyon village, Kalubia governorate, Egypt; Aiming to study the effect of foliar sprays with Aminofert (20% Amino acids, 12% organic acids, and 3.6% chelated micro-elements), gibberellins, and a mixture of chelated (Fe, Zn, and Mn) alone or in combination (GA3 + Aminofert or GA3 + a mixture of chelated “Fe, Zn, and Mn”)on fruit set, yield, fruit quality, and leaf mineral content. Treatments increased significantly fruit set, yield as weight; or number of fruits/tree, as well as, fruit characteristics (Firmness, TSS, Flesh thickness, and Acidity) were improved under all treatments as compared to the control. Gibberellins or Aminofert alone or in combination (GA3 + Aminofert or GA3 + a mixture of chelated “Fe, Zn, and Mn”) applied to foliage caused a pronounced increase in leaf N, and K content; while Leaf P content decreased in both experimental seasons. As for micro-nutrients concentration, the data indicated that the concentration of Fe, Zn, and Mn was icreased in all treatments comparing to the control. Application of Aminofert at 0.25% + GA3 at 20 ppm was more effective compared to other treatments in the two seasons.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATERIALS AND METHOD
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Topics
The study aims to evaluate the impact of foliar applications involving liquid organic fertilizer (Aminofert), gibberellins (GA3), and a chelated mixture of micro-nutrients on the agricultural productivity and fruit quality of “Hollywood” plum trees grown in loamy clay soil.
- Effects of foliar sprays on fruit set percentages and total yield.
- Improvement of fruit physical and chemical quality attributes (firmness, TSS, acidity).
- Changes in leaf mineral content (N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn) resulting from different treatments.
- Optimization of nutrient and growth regulator application for plum cultivation.
- Comparison of various treatment combinations versus control conditions over two growing seasons.
Excerpt from the Publication
INTRODUCTION
Plums (Prunus salicina) are occupying an importance share in the total fruit production of Egypt. The total area of plum in Egypt reached about 2960 Feddans - according to the census of Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt (2005) - which produced 17148 tons with average yield of 5.79 tons / Fed.
Spraying of some nutrient elements (micro-nutrients), some growth regulators (GA3), or liquid organic fertilizer (Aminofert) in order to increase fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of “Hollywood” plum. Mode of action for micro-elements was explained by Larue and Johnson (1989). Iron (Fe) complexes with proteins to form important enzymes in the plant and is associated with chloroplasts, where it has some roles in the synthesizing chlorophyll. Zinc (Zn) has been identified as component of almost 60 enzymes, therefore, it has a role in many plant functions, and it has a role as an enzyme in producing the growth hormone IAA. Manganese (Mn) participates in several important processes including photosynthesis , and metabolism of both nitrogen and carbohydrate..
On the other hand, foliar fertilizers as chelate should be easily absorbed by the plants, rapidly transported, and shoud be easily release their ions to affect the plant Larue and Johnson (1989).
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides background information on the significance of plum production in Egypt and the theoretical role of micro-nutrients, gibberellins, and organic fertilizers in plant physiological processes.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: Describes the experimental setup, including the location, the specific 6 treatments applied to the “Hollywood” plum trees, and the methodologies used for data collection and chemical analysis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Presents the findings regarding fruit set, yield, fruit quality, and leaf mineral status, comparing the efficacy of the different treatments through statistical analysis and relevant literature.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes the key findings, confirming that specific combinations of GA3 and either Aminofert or chelated micro-nutrients are effective in enhancing yield and fruit quality under the tested soil conditions.
Keywords
Liquid organic fertilizer, Micro-nutrients, Gibberellins, plum, fruit set, yield, fruit quality, leaf mineral content, foliar application, Aminofert, GA3, horticulture, plant nutrition, Prunus salicina, Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research investigates the influence of foliar applications of liquid organic fertilizer (Aminofert), gibberellins (GA3), and a mixture of chelated micro-nutrients on the growth, yield, and quality of “Hollywood” plum trees.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central themes include plant physiology, fruit set optimization, agricultural mineral nutrition, and the comparative efficacy of synthetic growth regulators versus liquid organic fertilizers.
What is the main research objective?
The main objective is to identify which combination of foliar sprays effectively increases fruit set and yield while improving fruit characteristics like firmness, size, and nutritional content.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The study employs a randomized block design with 6 treatments, statistical analysis of variance using Duncan’s test, and laboratory analyses for leaf minerals and fruit quality attributes (A.O.A.C. standards).
What is addressed in the main body?
The main body details the trial procedures over two growing seasons, presents empirical data in tables, and discusses the biochemical reasoning behind the observed improvements in fruit yield and mineral concentration.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as liquid organic fertilizer, gibberellins, micro-nutrients, fruit quality, and leaf mineral content.
How does the application of GA3 affect the plum trees?
GA3 acts as a growth regulator that intensifies the ability of organs to act as a nutrient sink, increases IAA synthesis, and accelerates hydrolytic enzyme activity, ultimately leading to higher fruit set and size.
What role does Aminofert play in the fertilizer regimen?
Aminofert provides a source of amino acids and organic acids that act as chelating agents, facilitating the absorption and transport of micro-nutrients while offering a safe alternative to synthetic hormones.
What was the most effective treatment identified?
The study concluded that the application of Aminofert at 0.25% combined with GA3 at 20 ppm was the most effective treatment for increasing fruit yield and improving quality over the two-year experimental period.
Are there any negative side effects of these treatments?
The research highlights that the proposed treatments actually help avoid yield depression and provide a way to bypass the potentially harmful effects associated with certain synthetic hormones.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Sameh Sarrwy et al. (Author), 2010, Effect of Foliar Spraying with Liquid Organic Fertilizer, some Micronutrients, and Gibberellins on Leaf Mineral Content, Fruit Set, Yield, and Fruit Quality of “Hollywood” Plum Trees, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/296179
