Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Handling Res., Dep., Horticulture Research Institute, ARC, Giza , Egypt.
2
Soil,Water and Environmental Research Institute, ARC, Giza , Egypt.
Abstract
Two field experiments were conducted at Brembal , Motobus District, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate during 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons to study the influence of bio-fertilization with a mixed inoculum containing Azospirillum sp., Bacillus megatherium and Bacillus circulans as well as spray with Jisemar (commercial bio-stimulant) and/ or Azospirillum sp. on productivity and fruit quality of oranges [ fruits drop % , fruits set % , fruits number tree-1, fruit weight (g)] , fruit yield (kg tree-1) , as well as some quality traits [firmness, acidity % , vitamin C content , soluble solids content (SSC%) , SSC / acid ratio of fruits and total chlorophyll, chlorophyll A&B and carotene of fruit rind and NPK % , in leaves].
Regarding spray with bio-stimulants of Azospirillum sp. + Jisemar or Azospirillum sp. individual treatments attained high records over those of not sprayed control, and the differences were mostly significant for fruits set , fruits number / tree and yield ( kg / tree), chlorophyll , firmness , SSC% and vitamin C content , except other components fruit drop, carotene, and SSC/acid ratio which displayed decreases compared to water spray - 100 % NPK fertilized control.
Data revealed that treatments with biofertilization + 75% NPK and spray with biostemulants spray with Azospirillum sp. with Jisemar or Azospirillum sp. individual attained the best . As the first one resulted in a high productivity of orange trees , improved fruit quality and most marketing characteristics at room temperature compared to control and other treatments , thanks to the effects of continuous supplement of plant nutrients and phytochemical compounds, decline rots infection and retarded peel senescence causing longevity for life .
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