The effect of foliar calcium and boron application on mineral nutrition, yield and fruit cracking of pomegranate (Punica granatum cv. Hicaznar)

In this thesis, the effects of foliar Ca and B applications in the three different growing periods on mineral nutrition, fruit cracking and yield of the Hicaznar cultivar pomegranate plant were investigated. In the research, the 13 years old Hicaznar pomegranate variety was used as plant material and the experiment was carried out in a producer's orchard in Serik district of Antalya. Foliar Ca application was applied as CaCl2 at 0%, 1% and 2% doses, and B application was applied as 0%, 0.2% and 0.4% doses of H3BO3. Applications were made 30 days after full bloom and two more applications at 30-day intervals, a total of three times, with a sprayer to completely wet the leaves on the trees. Results of this study showed that, foliar Ca, B and Ca*B applications have significant effects on the N, P, K, Ca, B and Zn concentrations of the leaves and fruit yield of pomegranate plants; however, it did not have significant effects on Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn concentrations of the leaves and crack fruit. Boron application increased the N, P and B concentrations of the leaves and fruit yield. Potassium, Ca and B concentrations increased significantly with calcium application. It was determined that both Ca and B applications did not have a statistically significant effect on the crack fruit ratio in the pomegranate plant. The results suggest that in order to prevent problems such as fruit cracking, which is an important physiological disorder in pomegranate production, fruit cracking and yield values were evaluated together it can be said that the most effective application is 1% Ca and 0.2% B.