The Synergistic Influence of Foliar Potassium and Nano-Boron on Leaf Nutritional Status, Fruit Yield, And Fruit Quality of Pomegranate Cv. ‘Wonderful’ Grown in Arid Ecosystems
摘要
Purpose. Despite the high valuable and marketability of pomegranate, its cultivation in arid lands faces different stresses such as drought, poor soil, and salinity. These conditions lead to poor productivity and fruit quality, along with reduced commercial appeal. Cultivating proper cultivars while providing an effective nutrients combination could address various issues of arid climates. Methods. The study focused on assessing the potential improvements in yield and quality of the pomegranate cultivar named ‘Wonderful’ grown in saline-sandy soil as a result of lpotassium (K) and boron (B) fertilization. Spraying of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) at rates of 0.5 and 1.0% each, in addition to a control treatment (without K spraying) were applied. Normal B (100 and 200 mg L-1) and nano B (20 and 30 mg L-1), in addition to a control treatment (without B supply) were sprayed. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design with three replications. Leaf nutritional status, fruit yield attributes and juice quality traits were estimated. Results. Under all applied B forms and concentrations, KNO3 1.0% in both seasons and KNO3 0.5% in the first season revealed the lowest values of cracked fruits %. Further, KNO3 1.0%×nano B 30 mg L-1 was the most effective K and B combinations for elevating total soluble solids %, reducing sugars %, and total sugars % and reducing titratable acidity % in both seasons. Conclusion. It is worth stating that there is a remarkable synergistic action between K and B for sustaining the productivity and quality of pomegranate cv. ‘Wonderful’ grown in the saline-sandy soil of arid areas. Practically, it is recommended to spray pomegranate trees grown in arid environments with KNO3 at 1.0% plus nano-boron at 30 mg L− 1 three times a year to sustain yield and quality. Clinical trial number. Not applicable.