Effect of foliar application of magnesium and micro-nutrients on growth, yield and fruit quality of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

The effect of Mg and micronutrients was significant on plant height, stem girth and spread of canopy. The effect of these nutrients was more pronounced when applied in combinations. The Mg + Cu + Zn showed the maximum increase in height, stem girth and spread of the plant. Treatment with Mg and micronutrients except Cu resulted in higher fruit yield than the control. Maximum fruit yield was recorded with application of Mg +. Cu + Zn and fruit characters were not affected by the treatments. Application of Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and B in combination, increased the juice content, whereas effect of these nutrients on TSS, total sugar, reducing sugars and acidity of fruits was non-significant. The leaf N, P and K contents increased appreciably due to the treatments and recorded maximum concentration in July and minimum in October.