Department of Fruit Culture and Orchard Management, Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan 173230
Growth of apple seedlings increased upto 78 ppm of substrate K followed by a decrease. Maximum height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaf, shoot and root were recorded at 78 ppm of substrate K, which was significantly higher than lower K levels. N and Ca concentrations decreased with increase in K levels from 0 to 234 ppm, whereas P and Mg concentrations increased upto 78 ppm of substrate K followed by a decrease. However, K concentration increased with increase in K levels upto 234 ppm of substrate K. Thus, 78 ppm of subtrate K was optimum for growth as well as nutrient status of apple seedlings under controlled conditions.
