Effect of foliar spray of zinc, iron and boron on the growth, yield and sensory characters of guava (Psidium guajava L.) Cv. Sardar L-49

Abstract

The field experiment was carried to evaluate the response to the foliar application of micronutrients viz. zinc, iron and boron in single or in different combinations on guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Sardar L-49 for various growth, yield and sensory parameters. From various combinations of micronutrients growth characters were remain uninfluenced. Combination of 0.5% Zinc sulphate + 0.5% Ferrus sulphate + 0.3% Borax significantly influenced fruit per shoot (3.6), overall yield (57.1 kg/tree) and sensory characters like aroma (7.7), taste (8.1), flavour (8.2), texture (7.5) and also overall acceptability (7.9). Application of 0.3% Borax significantly influenced flowers per shoot (5.3). Minimum fruit drop was recorded with application of 0.5% Ferrus sulphate + 0.3% Borax and minimum fruit drop per shoot observed in 0.5% Zinc sulphate + 0.3% Borax foliar application. The present study indicated that combined application of micronutrients enhanced fruit set, minimized fruit drop and overall yield. This has resulted in improved sensory characters in the guava fruit. This will lure consumers with appealing fruit that would enable farmers to earn a decent sum of money.