The effect of different zinc application methods on the yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L)

Zinc (Zn) element has a big effect on yield and quality in terms of plant production. However, the application and dose of Zn has been studied in a limited way in some plants. Therefore, this study was carried out during two production years (2015 and 2016) in order to determine the effect of Zn applications on the yield and quality of pomegranate, which has important features in terms of human health and has an important place in the world market. Zn applications to Hicaznar pomegranate cultivar were made with different application methods as soil (T+Zn), soil+leaf ((T+Y)+Zn) and leaf (Y+Zn). Application of Zn from soil 100 g ZnSO4 .7H2O per tree was carried out once a year in the same period with other element applications from the soil. Foliar Zn application was sprayed twice in the form of 0.25% ZnSO4. 7H2O per tree, just before flowering and at the stage of small fruit formation. In soil + foliar Zn application, the amount and application times made in soil and leaf applications were carried out in the same way. According to the soil analysis results, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applications were applied to each tree at the same doses. In both years, pomegranate fruit yield, macro and micro plant nutrient concentrations, quality parameters and phenological observations were measured and recorded. According to the results of the research, although the yield is lower in the first year due to the age of the trees; yield, water-soluble dry matter content, total phenolic content, total monometric anthocyanin, fruit weight, peel weight, aril weight and fruit width increased significantly, but titration acidity, pH, fruit length, peel thickness, cracking was found to be statistically insignificant with different Zn applications compared to control. In addition, Zn applications increased the N, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and while decreasing the P, Mn and Cu element contents in leaves, fruit, peel and aril. Zn applications in terms of color caused an increase in L* (brightness), a* (redness) values and a decrease in b* (yellowness), c* and h0 values fruit skin and grain color. When the analysis, measurement and observation data of the pomegranate fruit and leaves, especially the yield, were evaluated, the application of Zn as (T+Y)+Zn generally had a positive/increasing effect. Therefore, such an application can be suggested as a farmer practice around Manisa-Köprübaşı, where pomegranate cultivation is intense. Keywords: Pomegranate, Zinc, Leaf and Soil Application, Plant Nutrient Elements