Effect of N, P and K on the yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin

Fruit yield in Kinnow mandarin was improved significantly with increase in nitrogen dose alone and in combination with phosphorous and potassium. Maximum yield (525 fruits/tree; and juice content (53.57 %) with minimum peel thickness was recorded with the application of 1900g urea + 2730g superphosphate/tree treatment. However, maximum tree volume (72.84 m³) was observed with higher dose of Nitrogen (2850 g urea/tree). Fruit weight and and TSS/acid also increased with the application of different fertilizer doses. Maximum TSS/acid ratio (15.99) was recorded with medium dose (1900 g urea/tree) of N. Nitrogen and P status in the leaves improved with different doses of fertilizers and attained optimum range in the treatments having 1900g urea; 2850g urea and 2730g superphosphate. Application of 1900g urea + 2730g superphosphate was considered to be the best dose for achieving higher yield and better fruit quality in Kinnow mandarin grown under arid irrigated regions of Punjab.