Foliar application of boron and calcium nitrate decreased fruit cracking and improved quality in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

A field study was carried out to determine the effect of calcium nitrate and boron on yield and fruit cracking of Pomegranate cv. Sindhuri (Bhagwa). Different treatments were T1-Farmers’ practice, T2-recommended dose of fertilizers as per package of practices (FYM 25 kg per plant + NPK 625: 250: 250g per plant and micro nutrient 25 g per plant) with(Micronutrient) multi-mix at the rate 25g per plant per year in the month of July -August (Basel dose of Manure & fertilizer), T3- RDF and the foliar spraying at different growth stages (Calcium (CaNa2) @ 0.2 per cent and Boron as borex @ 0.3 per cent) at the time of full blossoming and one month after full blossoming (developing stage of fruit). The results of the study revealed significant improvements in both yield and quality of pomegranate. However, calcium (CaNa2) @ 0.2 per cent and boron as boric acid @ 0.3 per cent proved to be the best treatment over other treatments. Furthermore, an average enhancement of yield to the tune of 29.26 per cent and quality in terms of “A” grade pomegranate followed by a reduction in fruit cracking to the tune of 3.74 per cent were achieved over control. Thus, it can be concluded that foliar sprays of calcium nitrate and boron on pomegranate not only reduces fruit cracking but improve yield and quality and thus resulted in significantly higher economic returns.