Effect of pruning intensities under different levels of nitrogen and potassium on fruit set, yield and quality of peach cv. July Elberta

Nine fertilizer combinations comprising three levels of N (250, 500 and 750 g/tree) and three levels of K (300, 600 and 900 g/tree) were tested under light, medium and heavy pruning severities. The lightly pruned trees gave significantly higher fruit set and yield than medium and light pruning. The fruit set, yield and fruit size were recorded highest in N₂K₂ fertilizer dose as compared to other fertilizer treatments. Heavy pruning yielded significantly, heavier and biggest fruits than medium and light pruning intensities. The TSS, total sugars and soluble proteins contents were significantly increased in fruits of heavily pruned trees, while fruit firmness decreased. The TSS, total sugars and fruit firmness were also significantly influenced by different fertilizer treatments while the effect on acidity and soluble proteins was non-significant.