Characterization of available nutrients that influence pear productivity and quality in Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

Aim: A survey was conducted to evaluate the inherent fertility status and study the effect of available nutrients on yield and quality parameters of pear fruit selected from twenty four representative pear growing orchards in three established physiographic altitudes in district Pulwama during 2014-15. Methodology: The composite soil samples and fruit samples were analysed for available nutrients and quality parameters as per the prescribed standard procedures. Results: The available N and P status was low to medium and exhibited significantly positive relationship with fruit length, diameter, volume, weight, firmness, TSS, total sugars and yield, whereas K in medium status was significantly and positive by correlated with yield and most quality parameters, for except fruit C diameter and volume.Available K was significantly the most variable nutrient (CV=40.66%) followed by Cu (CV=33.02%), Fe (CV=30.70%) and among the quality attributes, total sugars followed by TSS showed significantly higher variability (CV=18.33% & 13.54%). Significantly negative relationship of Ca with length (- 0.386*), diameter (-0.363*), volume (-0.445*), weight (- 0.603*) and significantly positive relationship with firmness (0.561*) and yield (0.621*) were recorded. The DTPA extractable Zn, Cu and Fe showed significant and positive relationship with all quality attributes except fruit firmness, where Mn observed significantly positive relationship with diameter (0.390*) and TSS (0.405*). Boron exhibited significant and positive relationship with length (0.499*), diameter (0.534*), TSS (471*) and yield (643*). Interpretation: These results indicate significant effect of available nutrients on yield and quality attributes in plant metabolism reflecting from the relationship studies.