ENHANCING KINNOW MANDARIN GROWTH AND YIELD WITH TARGETED FOLIAR NUTRIENT TREATMENTS

Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), a prominent citrus fruit in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly North India, faces production challenges due to micronutrient deficiencies, especially in zinc and boron.This study explores the impact of foliar nutrient applications on Kinnow growth and yield, addressing critical parameters such as average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, and seed weight per fruit.Using a series of nutrient treatments, the research assessed the effectiveness of various combinations on these key metrics.Results reveal that applying a foliar mixture of 1.5% zinc sulfate, 0.6% boric acid, and 0.5% potassium sulfate significantly improves all evaluated parameters.Specifically, this nutrient regimen enhanced average fruit weight, increased fruit count per plant, boosted total fruit yield, optimized seed count per fruit, and elevated seed weight per fruit.These findings underscore the importance of targeted micronutrient management in maximizing Kinnow mandarin production and quality.This study provides actionable insights for improving Kinnow cultivation practices, potentially leading to increased agricultural productivity and economic benefits in the region.