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Sabir Research Paper 3
Sabir Research Paper 3
, The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 30(4): 2020,The Page: 905-912
J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
ISSN (print): 1018-7081; ISSN (online): 2309-8694
1
Department of Horticulture, PMAS, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
*
Correspondence authors’ e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Strawberry is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, secondary metabolites, sugar and fiber, and it has delicious
flavor and taste. Soil fertility is one of the most important problems in arid and semi-arid areas. Therefore, foliar nutrient
supply is an effective method to fulfill plant nutrition. It provides the sufficient amount of nutrients for successful crop
development in case of unavailability of plant nutrients from the soil. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the
influence of foliar feeding of micronutrients on vegetative, reproductive and fruit quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. The
results revealed that the maximum plant height, crown diameter, number of leaves, number of trusses, number of runners
per plant and leaf area were recorded from Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l, while fresh weight of leaves, dry weight of leaves, fresh
weight of plants, dry weight of plants and canopy size were improved by the foliar spray of Cash+ @ 2.5 ml/l. Similarly,
the maximum total soluble solids, ascorbic acid and titratable acidity were figured out for plants sprayed with Cash+ @
3.5 ml/l. The reproductive growth of chandler was improved by the foliar spray of Libreal TMX @ 2.5g/l. Our studies
clearly indicate that foliar spray of micronutrient sources can be recommended for regulating vegetative and reproductive
growth as well as fruit quality of strawberry.
Key words: Foliar application, Fruit quality, Micronutrients, Reproductive characteristics, Strawberry, Vegetative
growth.
https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2020.4.0106 Published online April 25, 2020
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
organic matter deficiency and moisture stress (Ugboh and Strawberry cv. Chandler’s were obtained from Swat
Ulebor, 2011). Farmers apply chemical fertilizers to valley and planted in 12th October, 2013 on growth media
increase crop efficiency (Bengt and Martensoon, 2003). having soil, sand and FYM in 1: 1: 1. The clay pots (I L)
Prevailing dry environmental conditions leads the holding three liter media were used for experiments in
Pakistani soil towards lower in organic matter. Plants greenhouse. Seven treatments were applied to observe the
require seven essential micronutrients other than impact of micronutrient foliar application from variable
macronutrients which are zinc, boron, copper, sources on vegetative and reproductive attributes of
manganese, iron, chlorine and molybdenum. strawberry (Table 1 & 2).
Conventionally farmer use only macronutrient, which
Vegetative growth parameters: Plant height was
leads to many problems. Deficiency of micronutrient can
measured 60 days after transplanting (DAT) from the
be overawed by foliar and basal use of these nutrients.
ground level of crown to the tip of photosynthetic tissue
Knowing the factor that affect the availability of nutrient
in centimeters using scale. Crown is the modified stem of
and their uptake can boost the yield. Climate, soil
strawberry plant from where flower clusters, leaves and
physical, chemical properties, plant genotypes and
runners originate. Crown diameter was estimated by the
cultural practices affect nutrient uptake from soil
use of Vernier’s caliper. Average was calculated by
(Arevalo-Gardini et al., 2015). Foliar addition of nutrient
measuring five randomly chosen plants. Number of
is better way to meet the plant nutrition requirement. It
leaves per plant and number of trusses in each plant was
facilitates efficient nutrient absorption through leaves by
counted manually and average of five plants was
plants. Foliar application promotes the transference of
recorded in each replication. Runner produced by each
micronutrients and their availability with in plant. It can
plant was also calculated after last harvesting and
provide required quantity of nutrients for plant
averaged by five plants per replicate. Leaf area was
development where uptake and availability of these
averaged from twenty plants in each replication by using
nutrients through roots from soil is inaccessible.
Leaf Area Meter. Fresh and dry weight was recorded and
Moreover, nutrient absorption through plant foliage is a
averaged from twenty plants in each replication by
quick way as compared to soil nutrition (Kerin and
Weighing balance (Setra BL- 410 S) Dry weight was
Berova, 2003).
taken after oven drying of leaves. Similarly, fresh weight
Foliar use of nutrient is safer ecologically than
of randomly selected five plants per replication was
the soil incorporation (Alshaal and El-Ramady, 2017).
measured using weighing balance. Same selected plants
Foliar feeding can alter basal application of nutrients.
oven-dried and then their dry weight was recorded. Plant
Many short-season crops need highly efficient nutrient
spread (canopy size) was measured in centimeters using
supply. Foliar applications of nutrients can rapidly
graduated scale.
overcome physiological disorders. Most of the
physiological disorders are result of nutritional deficiency Reproductive growth parameters: All the fruits in each
and stress conditions. Foliar sprays of these nutrients led treatment were counted manually for precise data
to plant progress, so this method is more valuable as well recording 90 DAT. Data of fruit size was measured in
as economically effective in comparison with other centimeters by using digital vernier’s caliper. Fruit
means of enhancing plant growth. The absorption of weight was determined by digital weighing balance and
these nutrients though plant leaf surface is more effective expressed in grams. Five randomly selected plants in
than that of basel application. These nutrients can be used each replication were taken and their average was
as foliar at any stage of plant growth and in any quantity recorded. Number of fruit set was counted and then
as per crop need (Yaseen and Ahmad, 2010). recorded in percentage using following formula:
There is exigency to enhance the production of Total number of fruit set
quality fruit of strawberry using cost effective nutrient Fruit set (%) =------------------------------------------x100
management. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore Total number of flowers
the impact of micronutrient foliar application from Fruit quality parameters: Total soluble solids contents
variable sources on vegetative and reproductive attributes in fruit were analyzed by Hand refractometer and
of strawberry. This study was designed to optimize the averaged from five fruits in each replication. These total
micro-nutritional requirements of strawberry to secure soluble solids (TSS) contents were analyzed at room
potential yield of strawberry fruits on a larger area of temperature by following the method mentioned by
farmers’ field. AOAC (1990). Ascorbic acid contents were determined
from randomly selected five fruits per replication using
MATERIALS AND METHODS spectrophotometer (OPTIMA, SP-3000-plus). Fruit pulp
from selected plants was mixed with 5 ml of 0.1 %
The research work was carried out at Pir Mehr hydrochloric acid. This mixture was subjected to
Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi centrifugation process for ten minutes at 10,000 rpm
(PMAS-AAUR) during 2013-14. Transplants of
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
speed. The absorbance at 243 nanometer wavelength was plants that were sprayed with Cash+ @ 2.5 ml/l. Same
documented. Titratable acidity recorded through titration results were recorded for dry biomass, which were
method at fruit ripening stage (Hans, 1992) using the comparable to fresh weight of leaves, dry weight of
following formula: leaves, fresh weight of plants and dry weight of plants at
Titratable acidity (%) = [(m × 0.064) / 10] × 100 control (Table 3). Maximum canopy size (27.7 cm) was
In the above formula m denotes Burette reading recorded at T4 (Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l) followed by
canopy size (24.7 cm) achieved at T 7 (Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l),
Statistical analysis: The experiment was performed in
while minimum canopy size (12.3 cm) was noticed at
the layout of completely randomized design (CRD). The
control in strawberry plants.
significant difference was calculated employing analysis
of variance (ANOVA) and statistical lettering was done Micronutrients foliar application improves
using Least Significant Difference (LSD) system of strawberry reproductive growth: The data divulged
comparison at 5% probability level (Steel et al., 1997). highly momentous effects (p<0.05) on reproductive
MSTATC software was used for data analysis. growth of strawberry plant by the application of foliar
micronutrients application. Number of days to start
RESULTS blooming is an important reproductive parameter. Least
number of days for flowering (77) was recorded in T4
Micronutrients foliar application improves (Librel TMX @ 2.5 g /l). On the other hand, the
strawberry vegetative growth: The foliar application of maximum counted days for flowering (106.3) were
micronutrients had a significant (p<0.05) effect on plant recorded at control (Table 4). The data about the number
height of Fragaria ananassa (Table 3). Maximum plant of flowers per plant have been shown in Table 4 that
height (18.7 cm) was recorded at T7, while minimum demonstrated that the treatments varied significantly with
height (14.6 cm) was noticed at control. Similarly, a each other. Highest counted flowers (20) was noted at T4
significant difference was found among treatments for (Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l) which was significantly
crown diameter (Table 3). Maximum crown diameter comparable to number of flowers (6) obtained at control
(12.7 cm) was recorded at T7 (Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l) followed (Table 4). Among various treatments of foliar spray of
by T4 (Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l) and T5 (Cash+ @ 1.5 ml/l). micronutrients, T4 (Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l) yielded the
Data concerning number of leaves on single plant of highest number of fruit set (17.7) followed by the number
Fragaria ananassa is shown in Table 3. Maximum of fruit set (16.0) secured at T 3 (Librel TMX @ 1.5 g/l)
number of leaves (11.0) was noted in T7 (Cash+ @ 3.5 (Table 4). The least count of fruit set (3.3) was recorded
ml/l), while least number of leaves (4.7) was obtained at in untreated control plants (Table 4). Genetic makeup of
control (Table 3). The data showed an increase with plants along with geographic location of field and
respect to different levels of micronutrients on number of pollinator’s availability directly affect the fruit set
trusses (Table 3). This increase was more pronounced in percentage. Maximum fruit set percentage (90.7 percent)
plants treated with Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l. Maximum was noted in T4 (Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l) treated
number of trusses (6.20) was recorded at T4, while strawberry plants, while lowest fruit set percentage (54.9
minimum number of trusses (1.93) was noticed in percent) was counted in control (Table 4). The results
untreated plants (Table 3). The data about the number of about total number of fruit per plant have been given in
runners as affected by different treatments of Table 4 that showed that treatments diverse significantly.
micronutrients have been shown in Table 3. The results Librel TMX @ 2.5 g/l (T 4) exhibit maximum effect for
on number of runners evidently showed that application total number of fruits (18.3) followed by Librel TMX @
of micronutrient significantly enhanced strawberry plants 1.5 g/l (T3) and Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l (T7) which gave an
runners related to control. Maximum number of runners average of 13 fruits per plant. On the other hand, the
(3.9) was attained by T 7 (Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l) and minimum lowest number of total fruits per plant (6.7) was obtained
number (1.5) was observed in case of control plants. at control (Table 4). Statistical analysis clarified
Level of micronutrient increase the number of runners remarkable difference (p<0.05) among the treatments on
obtained from the strawberry plant (Table 3). In case of fruit size. The maximum fruit size (3.27 cm) of treated
leaf area same trend was observed. This increment was strawberry plants was observed in T4 and smallest fruit
more in plants that were treated with Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l. size was recorded in control plant (2.51 cm). Data
Maximum leaf area (68.6 cm2) in experimental plants regarding fruit weight (Table 4) exhibited the highest
were attained by the effect of T7 (Cash+ @ 3.5 ml/l), fruit weight (18.1 g) was recorded at T4 (Librel TMX @
while strawberry plants without any micronutrient 2.5 g/l) followed by T6 that yielded 15.5 g fruit weight
treatment attained least leaf area (26.9 cm2). The foliar that were comparable to control.
application of micronutrients significantly increased fresh Micronutrients foliar application improves
and dry weight of plants (p<0.05). The highest fresh strawberry fruit quality: Statistical analysis of data on
biomass of strawberry foliage was enhanced in those total soluble solids (TSS) showed the significant effects
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
(p<0.05) among the treatments (Table 5). Total soluble Table 1. Micronutrients sources and concentrations
solids (TSS) in fruits juice of strawberry was measured used in present study for their assessment on
7.7 0Brix in T7 followed by T6 (7.1 0Brix) that were vegetative, reproductive as well as fruit
comparable to total soluble solids (5.0 0Brix) obtained at quality of strawberry.
control (Table 5). Many biological processes in plants
and in humans are closely influenced by a growth Brand name Composition Concentrations
regulating factor known as Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C. Librel TMX Boron (B) 10 g/kg
It is water soluble and acting as an antioxidant in human Copper (Cu) 10 g/kg
body. Strawberry contains rich sources of antioxidants Iron (Fe) 30 g/kg
and valuable phenolic compounds. It has more ascorbic Manganese (Mn) 10 g/kg
acid than that of oranges (Ayub et al., 2010). Statistically Zinc (Zn) 40 g/kg
significant (p<0.05) results were observed among Cash+ Zinc (Zn) 40 g/kg
different treatments in case of ascorbic acid (Table 5). Copper (Cu) 30 g/kg
Maximum value of ascorbic acid contents (77.6 mg/100g Manganese (Mn) 2 g/kg
pulp) were recorded at T7 (Librel TMX @ 3.5 g/l), while Iron (Fe) 1 g/kg
minimum ascorbic acid contents (32.7 mg/100g pulp)
were found at control. Different treatments of Table 2. Seven different treatments of micronutrients
micronutrients had significant effect on fruit juice used in the present study.
titratable acidity (Table 5). Maximum titratable acidity
(0.97%) was documented at T7 followed by T6 whereas Treatments Micronutrients Concentrations
control secured minimum titratable acidity (0.22%) value T1 Simple water
(Table 5). T2 Librel TMX 0.5 g/l
T3 Librel TMX 1.5 g/l
T4 Librel TMX 2.5 g/l
T5 Cash+ 1.5 ml/l
T6 Cash+ 2.5 ml/l
T7 Cash+ 3.5 ml/l
Treatments Plant Crown No. of No. of No. of Leaf Fresh Dry Fresh Dry Canopy
height diameter leaves trusses runners area weight weight weight weight size
(cm) (cm) per per (cm2) of of of of (cm)
plant plant leaves leaves plants plants
(g) (g) (g) (g)
T1 14.6 9.4 4.7 1.9 1.5 26.9 1.0 0.18 10.9 6.1 12.3
T2 16.7 10.6 7.0 4.7 1.7 42.3 1.3 0.22 19.7 10.9 15.6
T3 16.9 11.0 8.4 5.1 2.3 57.1 1.4 0.23 21.9 11.8 23.2
T4 17.1 12.2 8.7 6.2 3.3 68.6 1.7 0.3 22 12.6 27.7
T5 17.6 11.9 10.9 4.7 2.6 57.7 1.8 0.34 22.3 13.1 24.7
T6 18.7 12.7 11.0 4.9 3.9 61.7 1.9 0.42 27.1 15.9 23.6
T7 16.4 11.1 8.3 4.0 2.7 38.7 1.3 0.32 21 10.9 21.7
Treatments No. of No. of No. of Fruit set Total number Fruit size Fresh
days to flowers per fruit set percentage (%) of fruit (cm) weight (g)
flower plant
T1 106.3 6 3.3 54.9 2.7 2.51 8.1
T2 78 12.7 9 71.8 7.9 2.92 11.4
T3 93 17.7 16 84.8 13.7 3.13 14.1
T4 77 20 17.7 90.7 14.7 3.27 15.6
T5 84 11.3 9.7 82.9 8.3 3.01 18.1
T6 83.7 16.3 14 85.7 11.3 3.22 12.4
T7 94.7 11.7 9.3 82.3 7.7 2.84 9.5
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
Table 5. Effect of foliar application of micronutrients increased plant height was outcome of the micronutrients
on fruit quality parameters of strawberry. and bio-fertilizers application. It is a common observation
that vegetative attributes enhanced in fruit crops
Treatments Total Ascorbic acid Titratable including strawberry when micronutrient applied by
soluble (mg/100g acidity foliar application (Bakshi et al., 2013). Development of a
solids pulp) (%) standard nutritional plan needs to understand climate,
(0Brix) media and cultural practices required for strawberry
T1 5 32.7 0.97 quality production and their role on plant physiology.
T2 5.8 68.3 0.84 Each one has its specific role on plant growth and
T3 7.1 75.7 0.55 development (May and Pritts, 1990). Kumar et al. (2012)
T4 7.7 77.6 0.22 concluded that plants of strawberry treated with high dose
T5 5.9 64 0.64 of zinc led towards high crown diameter along with
T6 6.3 65 0.59 proliferation of secondary crowns. Our findings were also
T7 5.8 43 0.85 in agreement with the earlier report by Mohamed et al.
(2011) who inferred that precocious amount of
DISCUSSION phosphorous and Zinc, and also their synergism improved
vegetative growth, fruit quality as well as yield of
Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch) is one of strawberry. Our findings revealed that use of
the potential sources of vitamin C and has highly micronutrients substantially increased vegetative growth
desirable taste, flavor, potassium, fiber, secondary i.e. number of leaves per plant. Our findings are also
metabolites and sugar. It helps in reduction of blood parallel with the results of Kumar et al. (2012). The
clotting problem and heart diseases. Soil media of arid present study suggested that physiological behavior of
and semi-arid regions are poor in nutrients with deprived strawberry is highly influenced by micronutrients. In the
physiochemical and biological properties (Sarwar et al., same way, rise in the flower cluster on plant was
2008; Ugboh and Ulebor, 2011). Crops productivity is recorded by the application of micronutrients (Mohamed
usually boosted by the application of chemical nutrients et al., 2011). Chaturvedi et al. (2005) reported that
(Bengt and Martensoon, 2003). Plants require seven numbers of runners of strawberry plants were enhanced
essential micronutrients other than macronutrients which by applying 0.4% ZnSO4. Results of this study was
are zinc, boron, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine and matched with previous report by Mohamed et al. (2011),
molybdenum. Conventionally farmer use only who observed number of leaves, runners and secondary
macronutrient, which leads to many problems. Visual and crowns count on single plant of strawberry boosted with
hidden micronutrient deficiencies symptoms can be cured foliar application of phosphorous and Zinc combinations.
by the appropriate use of foliar and basel application of In a previous research study, Bakshi et al. (2013)
these nutrients. Foliar use of nutrient is safer ecologically demonstrated that zinc, iron and calcium application prior
than that of the soil incorporation (Alshaal and El- to flower initiation of strawberry plant boosted vegetative
Ramady, 2017). Foliar applications of nutrients can growth which ultimately enhanced quality and shelf life
rapidly overcome physiological disorders. Most of the in cv. “Chandler”. This research group also inferred that
physiological disorders are result of nutritional deficiency 0.6% FeSO4 exhibited maximum leaf area (64.74 cm2).
and stress conditions. The absorption of these nutrients Our findings were also consonant with earlier research
though plant leaf surface is more effective than that of outcomes of Yadav et al. (2013), who conducted research
basal application. These nutrients can be used as foliar at in banana and reported that foliar application of
any stage of plant growth and in any quantity as per crop micronutrients enhanced leaf area of banana plants.
need (Yaseen and Ahmad, 2010). Similarly, El-Badawy (2013) conducted a research study
During this study, various levels of in apricot and reported that vegetative growth, mineral
micronutrients were applied as a foliar spray and it was contents and yield as well as fruit quality was
found that the vegetative growth of strawberry was highly significantly enhanced by the foliar of application of
boosted up with their foliar application. Our findings are micronutrients. In horticultural crops, sensible plant
in accordance with Chaturvedi et al. ( 2005) who nutrition can be attained through foliar fertilization
conducted research on strawberry cv. “Chandler” and (Fageria et al., 2009). Outcomes of these experimental
reported that plant height was increased by the studies revealed that fresh biomass of strawberry plants
application of ZnSO4 (0.4%) and FeSO4 (0.2%). Similar was expressively increased by the use of micronutrients
nature of study was reported by Kumar et al. (2012) in through foliar application. Kumar et al. (2012)
which they assessed bio-fertilizers and micronutrients on documented a rise in plant height, canopy spread, leaves
vegetative growth, flowers initiations and fruit yield of on single plant and weight of leaves in result of bio
strawberry cv. Chandler. They were in argument that fertilizes along with micronutrients application. Previous
report of Shiriyan et al. (2013), on use of zinc and iron
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
exhibited positive results of these nutrients on plant inflorescence and fruit size was obtained by the
density and leaves dry weight in savory herb. During our application of ZnSO4 (Abdollahi et al., 2012). Boost in
investigations, vegetative attribute of strawberry plants fruit setting is directly correlates with yield. Chaturvedi et
were enhanced by using foliar application of al., (2005) also reported significant improvement in fruit
micronutrients. This application increased the leaf area setting percentage. Results of Dixit et al. (2013) are also
and fresh weight of plants (Mohamed et al., 2011). Our aligned with the findings of this experiment. They
findings about higher fresh weight are supported by the conducted a research study in Litchi chinensi and found
results of Khalid (2012), who worked on coriander and efficient fruit set percentage after foliar application of
sweet fennel. The findings were also concomitant with micronutrients. Micronutrients are popular for their role
Mohamed et al. (2011). Who concluded that higher ratio in increasing plant yield (Rehm and Sims, 2006). Higher
of foliar application of micronutrient increased vegetative count of total fruit on single plant was documented by
and reproductive parameters. Foliar application of Mohsen (2013) in tomatoes by the usage of
micronutrients on strawberry plants influenced vegetative micronutrients through foliar dose. Similar outcomes
attributes (Chaturvedi et al., 2005). Results of this were mentioned by Bakshi et al. (2013) who reported
experiment coincided with previous outcome of Bakshi et efficient number of fruit per plant applying calcium, iron
al. (2013) who documented that Zinc sulphate (6%) and zinc in combinations. Increased yield with good
increased plant canopy (31.1 cm) in their experiment. individual fruit weight were achieved in mango by the
Sudden changes in global climate are affecting application of micronutrients (Bhatt et al., 2012). The
the flowering time of horticultural crops worldwide. outcomes of this study are parallel to the conclusions of
Many researchers revealed the earliness of flowering in a Mohamed et al. (2011), who recommended that increase
wide range of crops. These effects may be specific to in fruit size could be achieved by the spraying of Zinc
some species but most of the plants rely on locality and and phosphorus in a combination after flower initiation.
changes in climate. In a previous research article, boron Davis et al. (2003) revealed similar outcomes about fruit
when applied to plant in good amount facilitated the size boosted through the foliar application of boron in
uptake of macronutrient especially phosphorous in tomato. Yield attributes can be easily estimated by
tomato. It is also observed that it stimulated reproductive average fruit weight. Increase in total yield is directly
trait and enhanced flower development and fruit setting depending upon average fruit weight. Any treatment
(Day, 2000). Foilarly applied micronutrient not only which is boosting the fruit weigh ultimately increases the
produced early flowering but enhanced number of flower total product outcome from the field. Substantial rise in
on strawberry plant (Mohamed et al., 2011). The average weight of fruit was documented when applied
outcome of this research had uniformity with the Zinc and Iron Sulphate in combination by Chaturvedi et
conclusions of Mohamed et al. (2011); Kumar et al. al. (2005). Results of this study was also supported by
(2012) in count of flowering per plant by the usage of Bhatt et al. (2012), who found significant increase in fruit
micronutrients and bio-fertilizers in combination. weight by foliar application of micronutrients.
Micronutrients act as catalysts for organic reactions High level of micronutrients spray increased
occurring in plants thereby they are vital for plant growth, TSS as compared to low levels in strawberry fruit (Perez
while their deficiencies limit the productivity of fruit et al., 1997). Usha and Singh (2002) explored quality
crops (Singh et al., 2015). Our results revealed that the attribute of ‘Perlette’ grapes as influenced by the
highest fruit set percentage was recorded in plants that application of magnesium, boron and iron in combination
were sprayed with Librel TMX @2.5g/l. Control plants and found significant results. Results of this study
was observed with minimum fruit set percentage. These coincided with the previous research reports by
results were at par with Bakshi et al. (2013), concluded Mohamed et al. (2011); Bakshi et al. (2013). Who
that number of fruit set enhanced when micronutrient reported high level of micronutrient enhanced vegetative
were applied in foliar form. Fruit set percentage and over and reproductive attribute of strawberry especially TSS in
all fruit yield were positively enhanced by the foiler use fruit. Our results were also consistent with that of Bhatt et
of boron (B) in different fruits (Dale and Krystyna, al. (2012) who conducted research on mango and
1998). Singh et al. (2015) conducted a research study on ascertained that foliar spray of micronutrients improved
vegetative and reproductive growth of strawberry by the quality of mango by increment of total soluble solids.
foliar application of iron and zinc and found a remarkable Finding of this experiment also revealed the positive
increase in fruit set percentage applying FeSO4 (0.2%) influence of micronutrient on ascorbic acid contents
and ZnSO4 (0.3%) as a foliar spray. Moreover, they were (vitamin C). These results are in consistent with other
in argument that foliar application of micronutrients researchers (Bakshi et al., 2013) who worked on
played crucial role in vegetative growth of plants strawberry and found increment in ascorbic acid contents
signifying their involvement in photosynthesis, by the foliar application of micronutrients. Similar results
respiration and other physiological and biochemical were reported by Usha and Singh (2002) who studied the
characteristics. Similarly, a significant increase in effect of micronutrients application in grapes and
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
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Farid et al., The J. Anim. Plant Sci. 30(4):2020
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