Effect of algae extract and mono potassium phosphate on growth and fruiting of balady orange trees [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Growth, nutritional status of the trees, yield as well as physical and chcmical properties of Balady orange fruits as affected by spraying Algae extract at 0.125 to 0.50% and/or mono potassium phosphate at 0.5 to 2.0%, were investigated during 2002 and 2003 seasons. Results showed that single or combined applications of Algae exraact at O. i 25 to 0.50 % and mono potassium phosphate al 0.5 lo 2.0 % were effective in improving the leaf area, percentages of N, P, and K in the leaves, yield, fruit weight, total soluble solids% , total and reducing sugars and vitamin C content and in reducing both fruit peel thickness and total acidity % compared to the check treatment. The promotions on growth aspects, nutrient concentrations, yield and fruit quality were associated with increasing the concentrations of each material. Mono potassium phosphate was preferable than Algae extract in improving yield and fruit quality. Meaningless effect on the studied parameters was detected among the two higher concentrations of each material. Combined application of Algae extract and mono potassium phosphate was favorable rather than using each material alone in all the previous parameters. The best results with regard to yield and fruit quality of Balady orange trees were due to foliar application of Algae extract at 0.25 % plus mono potassium phosphate at 1.0 %, three times at spring flush cycle start, just after fruit set and at one month later.

Summary in Arabic.

1