Comparative Evaluation of Calcium Sources and their Mode of Use on Apple Production in Acidic Soil under High Density Plantation System

Abstract

Apples grown in Kashmir province are extremely prone to deterioration, particularly in post-harvest storage. Calcium is amongst the vital mineral element deceiving apple fruit quality, predominantly in acid soils deficit in available calcium. Calcium in sufficient quantity helps to retain apple fruit firmness and reduces the occurrence of physiological disorders, it also plays essential role to improve yield and quality of produce. Modes of calcium application and its different doses on two apple varieties was tested to improve yield and quality at Ambri Apple Research Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, India. The direct application of calcium to apple as spray is most effective method for escalating fruit calcium content and quality. Among sources and their mode of application calcium nitrate foliar application performed better than foliar application of calcium chloride in improving fruit quality and yield of Golden Delicious than Red Chief Camspur, whereas soil application of calcium nitrate showed least response to improve fruit quality and yield in both varieties under acidic soil atmosphere. Physiological loss in weight at 30 days and 60 days after harvesting was lower in foliar applied calcium than soil calcium application. The significant variation in total sugar content and TSS of apple fruits were observed in different calcium sources and their mode of application. Calcium nitrate foliar spray performed better than calcium chloride foliar spray in improving fruit quality. Our study did not find any adversity of dosage in plants whether applied to soil or directly to plant and we did observe better yields and quality at higher calcium doses. Among varieties Golden Delicious performed better than Red Chief Camspur. Results of research evidenced that preharvest calcium sprays increase yield, improved fruit quality and reduced its deterioration in post-harvest storage.