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Effect of potash application on yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

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Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate comparative effects of sulphate and muriate of potash (SOP and MOP) application on yield, chemical composition and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, M. cultivar Roma) at National Agricultural Research Centre Islamabad, Pakistan. Potassium from two sources i.e., MOP and SOP was applied @ 0, 100 and 200 kg K ha -1 with constant dose of 200 kg N ha -1 and 65 kg P ha -1 . A significant increase in tomato yield with K application was observed. Potassium applied @ 100 kg K ha -1 as MOP produced significantly higher marketable tomatoes as compared to SOP and control. Levels and sources of potassium showed no effect on acidity of tomato fruits. Potash application decreased sugar content of tomato fruits as compared to control. This effect of K on reducing sugar content was more pronounced in K treated fruits as SOP than those of MOP. Vitamin C contents in tomato fruits increased with K application in the form of MOP. The K use as MOP significantly reduced incidence of leaf blight disease and insect pest attack in tomato plant as compared to SOP and control treatments.
Pak. J. Bot., 42(3): 1695-1702, 2010.
EFFECT OF POTASH APPLICATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY
OF TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM MILL.)
M. EHSAN AKHTAR1, M. ZAMEER KHAN1, M. TAHIR RASHID1,
ZAHIR AHSAN2 AND SAGHEER AHMAD3
1Land Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad-45500, Pakistan
2Oilseed Research Lab, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad-45500, Pakistan
3Sugarcrops Research Program, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad-45500, Pakistan.
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate comparative effects of sulphate and muriate of
potash (SOP and MOP) application on yield, chemical composition and quality of tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum, M. cultivar Roma) at National Agricultural Research Centre Islamabad,
Pakistan. Potassium from two sources i.e., MOP and SOP was applied @ 0, 100 and 200 kg K ha-1
with constant dose of 200 kg N ha-1 and 65 kg P ha-1. A significant increase in tomato yield with K
application was observed. Potassium applied @ 100 kg K ha-1 as MOP produced significantly
higher marketable tomatoes as compared to SOP and control. Levels and sources of potassium
showed no effect on acidity of tomato fruits. Potash application decreased sugar content of tomato
fruits as compared to control. This effect of K on reducing sugar content was more pronounced in
K treated fruits as SOP than those of MOP. Vitamin C contents in tomato fruits increased with K
application in the form of MOP. The K use as MOP significantly reduced incidence of leaf blight
disease and insect pest attack in tomato plant as compared to SOP and control treatments.
Introduction
In Pakistan, tomatoes are grown over about 53.1 thousand hectares with an average
yield of about 10.1 tons ha-1 (Anon., 2008). However, much higher tomato yield has been
reported in other countries of the world e.g., 73.87 t ha-1 in USA, 63.55 t ha-1 in Spain,
88.91 t ha-1 in California and 146 t ha-1 in the Netherlands (Tomato News 2004). Higher
production of tomato depends upon adoption of high yielding varieties, appropriate crop
management techniques including precise and balanced fertilization, timely irrigation,
control of diseases and insect pests. In Pakistan, the tomato yields are far below than
average yield being achieved in many other countries of the world. One of the reasons of
low yield in Pakistan is imbalanced fertilizer use; nitrogen 250 kg N and phosphorus 125
kg P2O5 ha-1 are being used commonly (Anon., 2008), while the use of potash and
micronutrient are negligible. Potash use in Pakistan is only about 2 kg ha-1 (Anon., 2009).
Tomato is a heavy feeder of nutrients, especially potash as compared to cereals (Ehsan et
al., 2003a). On an average, a tomato crop producing 30 t ha-1 would require
approximately 280 kg N, 55 kg P2O5 and 540 kg K2O ha-1, (Anon., 1992; Ehsan et al.,
2003b). Traditionally SOP and MOP are being used as source of potash all over the
world, however MOP is considered a relatively cheaper source of K. Both the K sources
have similar effects on a number of crops tested (Akhtar et al., 1998). Thus the study was
planned to evaluate the sources of K2O for tomato, not only for their effects on yield, but
also on the quality of tomato, resistance against disease incidence and insect pest attack.
Material and Methods
The study was conducted at NARC experimental area and tomato variety Roma was
used as the test crop. Nursery was raised and 15 days old plants were transplanted on
M. EHSAN AKHTAR ET AL.,
1696
beds. Nitrogen and P @ 200 and P @ 65 kg ha-1 was applied. Three levels of K viz. 0,
100 and 200 kg ha-1 were applied from two sources i.e., MOP and SOP. All P and one
third of N and K fertilizers were applied at the time of transplanting as side dressing and
the remaining N and K fertilizers were applied at flower initiation and fruit setting stages.
The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete design with four replications.
Data regarding growth, yield and yield components i.e. weight and number of fruits and
incidence of disease (leaf blight; Septoria) and (white fly; Bemisia tabbacci) and fruit
borer (Heliothus armigrah) attack were recorded on the basis of number per plant and
fruits damaged. Then Diethene M-45 was sprayed twice after 10 day intervals at
flowering stage to control the disease and Nogas and Melathian at fruiting stage to
control insect pest attack. Number and weight of healthy and damaged tomato fruits were
counted and weighed separately.
Initial soil physical and chemical characteristics of experimental field like soil
texture, pH, ECe, N, P and K were determined using proper analytical techniques
(Richards, 1954; Soltanpour, 1977). Sugar, acidity and vitamin C in tomato fruits were
determined by methods given by AOAC (Anon., 1990). Plant available NO3-N, P and K
was determined by the standard procedures given by Winkleman et al., (1990). The data
collected from the experiment regarding different parameters were subjected to analysis
of variance to test the significance of treatments and treatment means were compared
using least significant difference (LSD) (Steel et al., 1997). Further, statistical analysis
was also done to compare different treatment combination using orthogonal contrasts and
their coefficients (Peterson, 1977).
Results and Discussion
Soil analysis: Soil was loam in texture and belonged to Nabipur soil series (coarse-loamy,
mixed, hyperthermic, Udic Utocrept). The soil was normal having pH 7.73, ECe, 0.59 dS m-1,
AB-DTPA extractable NO3-N 30, P 9.7 and K was 214 mg kg-1 soil (Table 1). The surface
soil contained relatively larger amounts of nutrients as compared to the lower layers because
soil was under vegetable production and there had been regular addition of farm yard manure
and fertilizers.
Tomato yield: The yield of tomatoes increased significantly with K application (Table 2).
Maximum yield of 24.9 t ha-1 was obtained with application of 100 kg K ha-1 as MOP and it
was significantly higher than control (12.6 t ha-1) and the same level of K from SOP
produced 15.4 t ha-1. The yield increase was more pronounced with K applied as MOP
compared to SOP (Table 3). The orthogonal contrast analysis clearly indicated that tomato
yield harvested from control plot significantly differed from the yield obtained from K
treated plots on overall basis. The difference between K sources also differed significantly.
The response of tomato in terms of increase in tomato yield with applied K at 100 kg ha-1 as
MOP was higher than that of applied K at 200 kg ha-1. Whereas in case of K application as
SOP, tomato yield gradually increased with increasing K rates. This indicates the
preference of the tomato variety for K source (Table 2). The results of the study are in line
with those reported by Kaviani et al., (2004). They reported that MOP treated tomato plants
gave higher yield than that of SOP under field conditions. The findings of the study are in
contrary to the work reported by Loch & Petho, (1992). They compared the response of
tomato to SOP and MOP and reported a higher response of tomato to SOP than that of
MOP. The difference regarding preferential response of tomato to K sources could be due
to nature of tomato variety tested, soil and climatic condition etc. The experimental site in
the present study is situated in high rainfall area and low levels of soluble salts. It appears
that variety had preference for relatively higher levels of chloride.
EFFECT OF POTASH ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TOMATO
1697
Table 1. Chemical characteristics of soil of the experimental site.
OM Sand Silt Clay ECe NO3-N P K S Depth
(cm) (%) pH (dS m –1) ----------- (mg kg-1) -------------- Cl
me L-1
0-15 0.85 20 29 51 7.73 0.59 30.57 9.70 214 18.4 3.02
15-30 0.63 22 31 47 7.81 0.44 21.30 9.80 198 8.0 1.98
30-60 0.56 25 32 43 7.80 0.40 19.00 8.00 112 8.8 2.01
Table 2. Effects of potash on yield and damage by fruit borer infestation of tomato.
K2O applied
(kg ha-1) Total yield
(t. ha-1) Marketable
(t. ha-1) Damaged
(kg ha-1)
Control 12.6 c 11.6 c 943 a
100 MOP 24.9 a 24.0 a 847 ab
100 SOP 15.4 bc 14.6 bc 783 ab
200 MOP 19.2 ab 18.4 ab 951 ab
200 SOP 16.5 bc 15.8 bc 624 b
LSD 6.25 6.28 238
Note: Means followed by the similar letter(s) do not differ significantly at p0.05.
Table 3. Orthogonal contrast comparison of yield and fruit borer infestation infestation of tomato.
Total yield Marketable Damaged
Orthogonal contrast F. Value Prob. F. Value Prob. F. Value Prob.
Control vs K 7.95 0.05* 8.367 0.014* 4.889 0.047*
SOP vs MOP 8.819 0.012* 8.481 0.013* 1.501 0.244 NS
SOP (K100 vs K200) 0.128 0.089 NS 0.170 0.240 NS 2.101 0.173 NS
MOP (K100 vs K200) 3.86 0.073 NS 3.702 0.078 NS 54.75 0.768 NS
Note: * Significant at alpha 5%; NS = Non-significant
Tomato is a high K requiring crop and K application increased the yield though soil
had relatively high plant available K. This indicates that despite being adequate K levels
in soil, the crop K requirements for attaining higher yield could not be met from native
source, thus addition of K through fertilizers was required (Ehsan et al., 2003b).
Hariprakasa & Subramanian (1991) studied the effect of different sources and levels of K
on vegetables and reported that the higher yield of tomato was obtained with 100 kg K2O
ha-1 application under field conditions. They also reported non-significant difference
between the K sources in terms of yield. However, Nandel et al., (1993) reported that the
maximum tomato yield was obtained with 80 kg K2O ha-1. Potassium application also
affected the marketable yield as higher marketable tomato yield was obtained from K
treatments compared to control. Effect of K on increased marketable yield of tomato is in
conformity with the findings of Usherwood, (1985). Khan et al., (2005) conducted an
experiment to study the effect of NPK on yield of sugar at NIA Tando Jam, Pakistan and
reported a significant increase in sugar with K application at 150 kg ha-1.
Pattern of tomato production: Though there is a significant response of tomato to K
application, however the pattern of production remained unaffected with K treatments
i.e., K sources and their levels (Fig. 1). The figure shows that the production of fruits
started from 56 day after transplanting (DAT) and last till 110 DAT. Maximum fruit
production was obtained from 79 to 94 DAT. The difference between different treatments
became more pronounced at this growth stage.
M. EHSAN AKHTAR ET AL.,
1698
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
56 61 69 76 79 87 94 98
Days after transplanting
Tomato yield (kg h-1)
NP
NPK 1 MOP
NPK 1 SOP
NPK 2 MOP
NPK 2 SOP
Fig. 1. Comparative effect of sources and levels of K application on tomato production.
Table 4. Comparative effects of potash on chemical composition of tomato fruit.
K2O applied
(kg ha-1) Acidity Sugar
(%) Vit C
(mg 100-1 g)
Control 1.50 4.21 a 23.13 ab
100 MOP 1.30 3.18 ab 25.99 a
100 SOP 1.33 3.15 ab 18.81 b
200 MOP 1.35 3.47 ab 25.24 a
200 SOP 1.29 2.45 b 18.77 b
LSD NS 1.40* 6.13*
* = Statistically significant; NS = Statistically non-significant
Quality of tomato pulp: Acidity of tomato fruit tended to decrease with K application
and it remained unaffected amongst the applied K sources and levels (Table 4). Similar
trend was also observed for sugar content in tomato fruits. When K as MOP was applied
at 100 kg ha-1, the sugar contents decreased and at higher K levels a slight increase was
observed. While in case of SOP, a linear decrease in sugar content was observed with
increasing levels of applied K. The maximum value of sugar content (4.2%) was
observed in the control and the minimum in treatment where K was applied at 200 kg ha-1
as SOP. In general, a decreasing trend of sugar content in tomato fruit was observed with
K application as compared to control. This decreasing trend of sugar content may be due
to dilution effect, as the yield increased significantly by K application that might have
resulted in reduction of sugar contents in tomato fruits with K treatments. The results are
in contradiction with those reported by Wuzhong (2002) who reported that K fertilization
increased sugar contents in tomato.
EFFECT OF POTASH ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TOMATO
1699
High vitamin C contents were observed where K as MOP was applied (Table 4). The
difference between K sources was also significant and between K treatments (on overall
basis) and control was non significant (Table 5). The effect of K sources on vitamin C
content of tomato differed significantly with respect to control on overall basis. These
results are in line with those reported by Kaviani et al., (2004). They reported a decreasing
trend of Vitamin C contents with K application. Anac & Colakogle (1993) in a study on
response of some major crops to K fertilization reported a positive effect of K supply on the
vitamin C content of tomato fruits. Ibrahim (1996) also reported that sugar and vitamin C
content increased with K application regardless of the sources. It was not clear why there
was higher content of vitamin C in the tomatoes fruits treated with K as MOP, however,
Serg et al., (1993) studied the salt tolerance of tomato varieties and reported that with
increasing levels of NaCl in solution culture, Cl contents, vitamin C and acidity of tomato
fruits increased non significantly. Zubeda et al., (2007) also reported similar range of
vitamin C content in tomato fruit. Application of K as MOP the Cl contents also increased
in tomato fruit (Table 6). Nandal et al., (1993) studied the effect of different levels of P and
K nutrition on growth, yield and quality of tomato and reported that P and K application
increased the acidity and sugar contents of tomato fruit. Hariprakasa & Subramanian (1991)
also reported that acidity in tomato increased with K application.
Mineral composition of tomato: Potassium application tended to increase K content in
the tomato pulp and effect of K application on K, Na, S and Cl contents in the tomato was
non-significant. Higher rates of K from both sources tended to increase K content in
tomato pulp but the difference was statistically non-significant (Table 6). Similarly, a
slight increase in Cl content of the tomato pulp was observed where MOP fertilizer was
applied compared to control and SOP but it was also non-significant (Table 7).
Phosphorus content in tomato pulp significantly increased with K application. Higher P
concentration was observed in tomato fruits harvested from plots supplied with higher K
level from both K sources. The levels of different elements in tomato fruits were found
within the normal range for human health (Anon., 1993). The results of the study showed
that applied K had positive interaction with other nutrients in the plant system. In a field
study Khan et al., (2006) also reported a synergistic effect of foliar application of K on N
and P concentration in wheat plant.
Diseases and insect pest damage: The incidence of leaf blight Septoria was also
affected with K application. Relatively lesser number of tomato plants were affected in K
treated plots as compared to plants grown without K application on overall basis. The
disease incidence was less on the plants treated with K as MOP as compared to control.
Plants treated with K as SOP showed less resistance against disease incidence as
compared to MOP ones (Table 8). In MOP treated plots, the effect of K on suppressing
the disease was more pronounced as compared to SOP treated plots. Muriate of potash
seemed to be more effective in suppressing the disease incidence as compared to SOP.
Kirali (1976) also reported that K application suppressed damage caused by Alternaria
solani to tomato.
Insect pest attack was also influenced with K treatments. A decreasing trend of fruit
borers (Heliothus armigrah) and white fly (Bemisia tabacci) attack was observed in K
treated plants as compared to control. Damage due to the insect pest attack was reduced
with K treatments and at the higher level of applied K, it was further decreased. However,
difference among the control and K levels was statistically non-significant. The
difference between the K sources was significant as plant treated with K as MOP showed
more resistance against pest attack as compared to SOP treated plants.
M. EHSAN AKHTAR ET AL.,
1700
Table 5. Orthogonal contrast comparison of quality parameters of tomato fruit.
Acidity Sugar (%) Vitamin C
Orthogonal contrast F. Value Prob. F. Value Prob. F. Value Prob.
Control vs K 3.49 0.03* 5.77 0.03* 0.39 0.23 NS
SOP vs MOP 0.05 0.04* 1.71 0.22 NS 15.65 0.00*
SOP (K100 vs K200) 0.07 1.02 NS 10.89 0.00** 1.22 0.00*
MOP (K100 vs K200) 0.07 0.13 NS 0.22 0.00 NS 1.22 0.09 NS
Note: * = Statistically significant; NS = Statistically non-significant
Table 6. Effect of MOP and SOP on mineral composition of tomato fruit.
K Na P S Cl
K2O applied
(kg ha-1) --------------------------------------(mg kg-1)----------------------------------------
Control 1680 120 90 B 90 610
100 MOP 1980 140 130 b 110 840
100 SOP 1650 140 140 b 90 640
200 MOP 1930 150 160 a 100 880
200 SOP 1800 140 180 a 110 690
LSD NS NS 40 NS NS
* = Statistically significant; NS = Statistically non-significant
Table 7. Orthogonal comparison of different treatments on mineral composition of tomato pulp.
K (%) Na (%) P (%) S (%) Cl (%)
Orthogonal
contrasts F.
Value Prob. F.
Value Prob. F.
Value Prob. F.
Value Prob. F.
Value Prob.
Control vs K 1.23 0.29 NS 1.03 0.33 NS 8.43 0.01* 1.43 0.25 NS 0.09 0.00 NS
SOP vs MOP 2.88 0.11 NS 0.00 0.03* 0.00 0.20 NS 0.00 0.03 NS 1.81 0.20 NS
SOP (K100 vs K200) 0.64 0.00 NS 0.00 0.06 NS 0.46 0.02* 0.00 0.75 NS 0.05 0.00 NS
MOP (K100 vs K200) 0.01 0.07 NS 0.00 0.11 NS 1.28 0.28 NS 0.00 0.12 NS 0.49 0.00 NS
* = Statistically significant; NS = Statistically non-significant
Table 8. Effect of MOP and SOP on disease and insect pest incidence on tomato.
K2O applied (kg ha-1) Disease incidence Insect pest damage
Control 12.0 a 14.0
100 MOP 4.3 b 11.0
100 SOP 7.9 ab 11.0
200 MOP 5.3 b 9.0
200 SOP 8.7 ab 9.0
LSD 6.9 NS
* = Statistically significant; NS = Statistically non-significant
Table 9. Orthogonal comparison of different treatments on disease and insect pest incidence.
Insect pest damage Disease incidence
Treatments F Value Prob. F Value Prob.
Control vs K treatments 1.325 0.272 NS 5.835 0.033*
SOP vs MOP 0.167 0.044 * 2.440 0.144 NS
SOP (K100 vs K200) 2.813 0.097 NS 1.596 0.064 NS
MOP (K100 vs K200) 2.813 0.188 NS 1.596 0.089 NS
* = Statistically significant; NS = Statistically non-significant
EFFECT OF POTASH ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TOMATO
1701
Conclusions
Application of K from both the sources of K increased tomato yield, however MOP
was more effective im improving yield and quality of tomato. Though, soil K level was in
the high range, it couldn’t meet the requirements for high yield crop of tomato. Hence,
the generalized adequacy range of K in soil needs to be refined for vegetable production,
especially for high yield agriculture.
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(Received for publication 15 November 2009)
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... Tomato crop consumes around 280 kg N, 55 kg P 2 O 5 and 540 kg K 2 O ha -1 for producing 30 t ha -1 of fruit yield. 9 However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers for tomato production not only pollutes the environment, soil and underground water but also makes the soil acidic and reduces the soil fertility gradient. On the other hand, high cost of chemical fertilizers makes crop production uneconomical for small and marginal farmers.The use of integrated nutrient management practice is mainly concerned towards the protection of soil productivity and to provide essential nutrients to the cultivated plants at a most favourable level for sustaining the desired yield through optimization of the benefits from all probable sources of organic, inorganic and biological ingredients in an integrated way. ...
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The present research work entitled “Efficacy of INM practices on growth and yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)” was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, IFTM University, Moradabad during summer season of 2020 laid out in randomized block design consisting of fifteen treatment combinations with three replications. The experimental results revealed that treatment T10 (100 % RDF + Vermicompost + PSB Root dip) resulted in highest values of growth parameters such as plant height, number of primary branches and plant spread at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting. The significantly highest value of weight per fruit was recorded in treatment T10 (98.77 g) though it was found to be statistically at par with treatment T11 (96.30 g) and statistically superior to all other treatments in the experiment. The treatment T10 being at par with treatment T11 recorded significantly highest value of number of fruits per plant (29.20 and 28.27, respectively), weight of fruits per plant (2.88 and 2.66 kg/plant, respectively), fruit yield of tomato (78.77 t/ha and 75.80 t/ha, respectively) as compared to all other treatments.
... Based on an extensive literature review by Lu et al. (2007), the use of N fertilizer promoted rice damage from insects by expanding the pests' food options, food intake, survival, development, reproduction and population. Meanwhile, a field experiment on loam soil with high available K by Akhtar et al. (2010) revealed that K fertilization significantly decreased the occurrence of leaf blight Septoria on tomato fruits. Higher fertilization leads to enhanced crop production but subsequently increased the proliferation of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens)a common pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) (Rashid et al., 2017). ...
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Pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), locally called pechay, is a nutritious and sought-after vegetable among Asian consumers as its edible petioles and green leaves are suitable in various recipes. The use of composts and organic amendments is integral to organic agriculture which is promoted in Davao City, Philippines. However, there are no published local studies in the city on the effect of recently formulated composts on crops. Thus, this study explored how these compost amendments affect the growth and yield of potted Black Behi pechay under screenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design. Results revealed that germination was higher in seeds sown in pure potting mix (90 to 94 %) and vermicompost-amended potting mixes (94 to 100 %) than with Dr. Bo’s Biofertilizer (DBB) (75 to 92%). Mean plant height (18.42 cm), leaf length (10.31 cm) and leaf width (5.89 cm) were highest in plants grown in potting mixes amended with 20% Tacunan vermicompost (Tacunan). Furthermore, there were pest and disease incidences in plants under all treatments but the least incidence was observed in plants grown in DBB. Total fresh weight (14.71 g), dry weight (0.76 g) and marketable fresh weight (12.19 g) obtained were exhibited by plants grown in 20% Tacunan. Total biomass, however, was highest in the urea-amended potting mix (15.42%). Results revealed that the application of composts positively influenced the growth and development of Black Behi pechay with 20% Tacunan as the recommended amendment.
... Nitrogen (N) is the most crucial, among various nutrients required for adequate nutrition and a high yield of okra [5]. Inappropriate nitrogen sources, uneven fertilizer application, and a high rate of nitrogen leaching are all factors in low crop yields [7]. Nitrogen's primary role is to contribute to plant growth characteristics, thereby influencing yield and quality parameters, which are generally directly correlated [8] and it is major essential for the synthesis of chlorophyll, protein, nucleic acid, hormones, and vitamins, as well as cell division and elongation [9]. ...
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Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a crucial approach to improving the sustainable yield of crops in an environmentally friendly manner. In this study, a field experiment was conducted at Lamjung Campus, Sundarbazar, Lamjung, from March 2022 to June 2022 to evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen management on the growth and yield parameters of okra and to find out the suitable nitrogen management system in okra. A randomized full-block design was utilized in the investigation, with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of a control (T1) and six other combinations of nitrogen sources, with each treatment receiving 50% of its nitrogen from chemical fertilizers and 50% from organic sources. The amount of organic manure was calculated based on the nitrogen content of the manures. Farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure, vermicompost, mustard cake, and goat manure were tested as organic sources. The effect of treatment combinations was evaluated in terms of plant height, stem diameter, leaf numbers, days to first flower opening, days to first fruit maturity, number of pods per plant, length, and diameter of pods, and yield ha-1. The findings revealed that integrated nitrogen management strategies had a substantial impact on okra growth and output. Among all the treatments, 50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through poultry manure (T4), which gave the highest number of pods per plant (19.87), yield per ha (13.59 t/ha), and shortest days taken to first flowering (46.54 days) and plant height (54.80 cm), followed by T2, while the control treatment (T1) yielded the low- est. These findings suggest that the application of 50% recommended N through chemical fertilizer + 50% N through poultry manure is an effective strategy for obtaining a high yield of okra in the study area.
... mg 100 g -1 . That was higher than the ascorbic acid in tomato i.e. 20-30 mg 100 g -1 (Akhtar et al., 2010;Ahmad et al., 2015;Du Yu-dan et al., 2017). It was high in cutleaf groundcherry than muskmelon 7.74 -13.32 mg 100 g -1 (Lin et al., 2004), strawberry 16-27 mg 100 g -1 (Li et al., 2017) and Physalis peruviana 9-19 mg 100 g -1 (Ariati et al., 2017;Iwansyah et al., 2019). ...
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Background: Physalis angulata L. or Cutleaf groundcherry is underutilized crop that has not been widely cultivated and is often considered weeds. Cutleaf groundcherry is rich in nutritional and phytochemical contents, which is beneficial for human health. Information on the growth, yield and quality content of cutleaf groundcherry lines is essential for future development. The objective of this experiment was to determine the variation among the lines of cutleaf groundcherry in growth, yield and fruits quality. Methods: A greenhouse study was conducted in August to December, 2021. Nine lines of cutleaf groundcherry were tested in randomized block design by following the recommended agronomic practcies. Result: The results show that nine lines of cutleaf groundcherry were varied with significant differences in growth, yield and quality characteristics. The line PA-06 was superior to other lines in vegetative growth and total dry weight, yield characteristics, namely fruit weight fruit-1, fruit diameter and fruit weight plant-1. The nine lines had the same as total soluble solids and ascorbic acid, but differences in β-carotene and antioxidant.
... Result of enhancing treated-tomato plants with potassium thiosulfate at 0.4 % on fruit total soluble sugars content during cold storage was in close accordance with those of [29] ; [24]. [30] displayed that, the application of foliar potassium via Nutri-Vant-PeaK is beneficial for tomato fruits cv. ...
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The aim of this trial was to investigate the pre-harvest foliar application of calcium chloride and potassium thiosulfate each at 0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 % on some quality of tomato fruit (hybrid 65010) during cold storage. The experimental layout of cold storage experiments was a split-split-plot based on Randomized Complete Blocks design with three replications. Time of cold storage, calcium chloride and potassium thiosulfate levels were randomly distributed in the main, sub-and sub-sub plots, orderly. At the termination of cold storage, effect on tomato fruit titratable acidity, vitamin C and lycopene contents while, negative impact on firmness and total soluble sugars contents was obtained. At termination of cold storage, pre-harvest foliar calcium chloride at 0.2 and/or 0.4 % caused increments in fruit titratable acidity, vitamin C, total soluble sugars, lycopene and firmness contents. In addition, pre-harvest foliar potassium thiosulfate at 0.4 % enhanced fruit vitamin C, total soluble sugars, lycopene and firmness contents and also increased titratable acidity content. Generally, the interaction between cold storage × pre-harvest foliar calcium chloride or potassium thiosulfate at 0.2 and/or 0.4% increased fruit total titratable acidity, vitamin C, total soluble sugars, lycopene and firmness contents. Also, the interaction between pre-harvest calcium chloride × potassium thiosulfate at 0.4 % was distinguished and increased all studied fruit quality at the end of cold storage. The interaction treatment of cold storage × calcium chloride at 0.4 % × potassium thiosulfate at 0.4 % was the best that improved fruit quality more than others.
... In general, a nutrient-balanced fertilization is essential to ensure optimal yield and to have good quality fruit [4]. Calcium is one of the mineral elements essential for the growth of a plant. ...
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The current study investigates the effect of foliar calcium applications on fruit quality of 'Carmina' raspberry. The first product is a liquid fertilizer (CaO: 12%) applied in three doses: T1 (100 cc/hl), T2 (200 cc/hl) and T3 (400 cc/hl). The second product is Calcium Nitrate (CaO: 26.3%) used in a single dose T4 (230.8 g/hl). Data collected included fruit weight and caliber, rating of fruit colour, firmness, acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), and fruit weight loss during storage. Fruit and leaves were sampled to determine Ca concentration. Results show that foliar treatments had no significant effect on fruits average weight, nor their size. Treatments T2 and T3 significantly increased fruit firmness. Fruit TSS and acidity showed no significant differences from T0. Applications did not affect post-harvest fruit weight losses. Foliar application of calcium caused an increase in leaf calcium content of 46 and 42% respectively for T2 and T3, and an increase in fruit calcium content of 35 and 18% respectively for T2 and T3 compared to T0. There was no difference between the contents of leaves and fruits regarding the other elements (Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). The right frequency of application is once every 8 days.
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A field trial was performed during 2015-16 to investigate the seed production potential of onion (variety Phulkara) under different potash (K) levels at SAU Tandojam using RCB design in three replicates having plot size of 5m x 3m (15m-2). Six treatments were formed including 0 kg ha-1control, 35 kg ha-1, 50 kg ha-1, 65 kg ha-1, 80 kg ha-1 and 95 kg ha-1. The growth and seed yield attributes of onion were significantly (P<0.05) affected by different K levels. The K at the rate of 95 kg ha-1 produced 45.46 cm plant height, 3.77 umbels plant-1 , 147.17 seeds umbel-1 , 1.33 g weight of seeds umbel-1 , 890 g seed yield plot-1 and 593.37 kg seed yield ha-1. Similarly, K @80 kg ha-1 produced 45.14 cm plant height, 3.75 umbels plant-1 , 146.11 seeds umbel-1 , 1.32 g weight of seeds umbel-1 , 884 g seed yield plot-1 and 589.13 kg seed yield ha-1. K application @65 kg ha-1 resulted in 41.43 cm plant height, 3.44 umbels plant-1 , 134.12 seeds umbel-1 , 1.21 g weight of seeds umbel-1 , 811 g seed yield plot-1 and 540.76 kg seed yield ha-1. The lower K level of 50 kg ha-1 resulted in 40.67 cm plant height, 3.38 umbels plant-1 , 131.63 seeds umbel-1 , 1.18 g weight of seeds umbel-1 , 796 g seed yield plot-1 and 530.74 kg seed yield ha-1. The onion crop when given K only at the rate of 35 kg ha-1 produced 38.36 cm plant height, 3.18 umbels plant-1 , 125.68 seeds umbel-1 , 1.13 g weight of seeds umbel-1 , 760 g seed yield plot-1 and 506.72 kg seed yield ha-1. However, in control (no potash) the crop produced 33.71 cm plant height, 2.80 umbels plant-1 , 113.18 seeds umbel-1 , 0.99 g weight of seeds umbel-1 , 677 g seed yield plot-1 and 451.08 kg seed yield ha-1. It was concluded that the differences in all the growth and seed yield attributes of onion under 80 kg and 95 kg ha-1 potash levels were insignificant (P>0.05) suggesting that 80 kg ha-1 K (as sulphate of potash) was an optimum K application rate in addition to 120 kg N and 100 kg P ha-1 for achieving economically higher seed yield in onion variety Phulkara.
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Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a popular vegetable and the most important ingredient when any vegetable is cooked and referred to as “protective food” because of its special nutritive value and widespread production. The present research was carried out in 2017-18 at Horticulture Garden, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. To assess the Effect of Different Potassium levels on the Growth and Yield of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum mill.) the experimental trial was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The Gola Variety Seedlings are transplanted at the field. Six different potassium levels were used for soil fertility Viz K1 (Control/ without K), K2 (25 kg ha-1), K3 (50 kg ha-1), K4 (75 kg ha-1), K5 (100 kg ha-1) and K6 (125 kg ha-1). Potassium should be applied on split doses and tomato crop was planted and observations were recorded for plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, days to flowering, days to fruiting, number of fruits plant-1, the weight of single fruit (g), fruit yield plot-1 (kg) and fruit yield (ton ha-1). It was found that all studied attributes were statically significant (P<0.05) and influenced by different potassium levels. The maximum plant height (107.00cm), number of branches plant-1 (9.33), number of fruits plant-1 (91.66), the weight of single fruit (105.67g), fruit yield plot-1 (45.48kg) and fruit yield (49.12ton ha-1) was recorded in where potassium 100 kg ha-1 was used. The maximum plant height (103.60cm), number of branches plant-1 (7.33), number of fruits plant-1 (87.66), the weight of single fruit (101.00g), fruit yield plot-1 (40.95kg) and fruit yield (44.23ton ha-1) was recorded in where potassium 75 kg ha-1 was used. While the minimum plant height (70.00cm), number of branches plant-1 (3.66), number of fruits plant-1 (60.00), the weight of single fruit (48.00g), fruit yield plot-1 (10.27kg) and fruit yield (11.09ton ha-1) was recorded in where potassium did not be used respectively. The present results that the (100 kg K ha-1) had a better result for all parameters and all results were statically significant.
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A new sugarcane clone AEC86-347, was obtained from seed (fuzz), of a cross combination of NCo 310 x CP57-614, imported from ARS, USDA, Canal Point, Florida, USA. The genotype was evaluated for the response to NPK fertilizers for two consecutive years. Significant (P≤0.05) differences were observed among the fertilizer treatments. Treatment 3 (200 N kg/ha:120 P2O 5 kg/ha:150 K2O kg/ha) showed the best results as compared to the other fertilizer treatments. Six characters i.e., cane yield, plant height, weight/stool, stalks/stool, commercial cane sugar and sugar yield were examined under different fertilizer doses. As per cost:benefit ratio, it was observed that treatment 3 was the suitable fertilizer treatment for clone AEC86-347 to obtain higher cane and sugar yield.
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A completely randomized block experiment with three replications was carried out to compare the effects of fertigation and soil application methods of the different rates of potassium chloride and soluble SOP on the yield and quality of tomatoes in Borazjan region of Boushehr in 2002. A total of 12 treatments, including two methods of application, two sources of potassium and three rates of potassium namely the control (no potassium), a rate based on the soil test (K 1) and twice the soil test (K 2) were used. SOP, soil application). K 1 is based on soil test, K 2 is based on two times of K 1 , where K 1 and K 2 were 200 and 400 kg per hectare based on K 2 O from SOP or MOP sources, respectively.
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Experiments were conducted at different sites to evaluate the response of wheat to foliar application of N and K under rainfed conditions of potohar region of Punjab. These studies were conducted to compare the effect of K (KNO 3 and KCl) sources as foliar application at different growth stages of wheat. The treatments were (1) Control (No spray); (2) K 0.5% solution (as KNO 3); (3) N & K 0.5% and 0.2 % solution (as KC+ Urea); (4) K @ 0.5% solution (as KCl); (5) N @ 0.2 % solution as Urea. Biological yield of wheat improved significantly with N and K application. The highest biological yield 10938 was obtained by foliar application of KCl along with nitrogen. The response of foliar potash application on Chakwal-86 wheat variety was significant among the different treatments. This study proved that both sources of potash i.e. KNO 3 and KCl are equally effective in increasing wheat yield and can be helpful in achieving maximum realizable yield. Nitrogen application improved the N and K content in the leaf tissues and uptake by plant which resulted in more production. Foliar application of potash at critical stages can be helpful in barani areas of Pakistan to realize optimum economic yield.
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A number of statistical tests can assist in the interpretation of the results of agronomic experiments. Examination of recent issues of the Agronomy Journal indicates that one of the more popular procedures is to use some form of a multiple comparison test to look at pairwise comparisons among the treatment means. In this paper use of these tests is examined, and alternative procedures are suggested for situations in which multiple comparison tests are inappropriate. These are illustrated with examples extracted from the Agronomy Journal. In general, multiple comparison procedures are appropriate for “data snooping” following experiments with unstructured qualitative treatments. Multiple comparison tests are almost never appropriate for experiments in which 1) the treatments are graded levels of a quantitative variable, 2) for factorial combinations of two or more factors at two or more levels, and 3) for quantitative treatments where previously formulated linear combinations of treatment means are of particular interest. Please view the pdf by using the Full Text (PDF) link under 'View' to the left. Copyright © . .
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Potassium (K) fertilization of eggplant, tomato, sweet pepper, and chili produced higher yields and better quality fruit in Zhejiang prov- ince of China. Solanaceous crops such as eggplant, tomato, sweet pepper, and chili are important fruits grown intensively in summer and autumn in the vegetable gardens of south China. They have a high K demand and the harvested fruit removes a large amount of K from the soil. Generally, input of K fertilizer to these crops is much less than amounts removed. Furthermore, organic manure use, previously the main K sources, has diminished over the last decade, intensifying the depletion of available soil K in most garden soils. As a result, crop yield and quality have fallen (Jiang Xianming, 1990; Zhan Changgeng, 1991). Consumption of solanaceous crops has increased along with urban, non-agricultural population expansion in China. For consumers, pro- duce quality is a major concern needing consideration in research. This paper documents a series of field experiments where the effects of K fertilization on fruit yield and quality of eggplant, tomato, sweet pep- per, and chili were investigated with the purpose of satisfying demand and identifying a rational K fertilization program. Field experiments were carried out on two silty loam soils with eggplant, tomato, sweet pepper, and chili. Soil test results are given in Table 1. Potassium treatments were 0 (K0), 112.5 (K1), 225 (K2), and 450 (K3) kg K2O/ha for eggplant, tomato, and sweet pepper, while chili received 0, 67.5, 135, and 270 kg K2O/ha. Except for the check (Ck) treatment (no fertilizer) the doses of nitrogen (N) as urea and P as single superphosphate were constant for eggplant, tomato, and sweet pepper, T T T T Table 1. able 1. able 1. able 1. able 1. Soil test results for two field sites growing solanaceous crops, Zhejiang, China.