Effect of different fertilizers on biochemical composition and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin

The present study was undertaken with the objective to observe the response of Kinnow mandarin to different forms of fertilizers. Tree volume varied non – significantly while stock and scion girths varied significantly with the application of different forms of fertilizers. Higher tree volume was observed with ammonium sulphate and diammonium sulphate (DAP) while scion girth and stock girth were higher with urea and NPK combination of fertilizers when used as source of nitrogen and phosphorous. Fruit yield was significantly higher in the DAP added treatments than that of super phosphate added treatments and maximum fruit yield (number of fruits/tree) was observed in ammonium sulphate and DAP combination treatment. Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content in Kinnow leaves and sugar contents in Kinnow fruits increased while protein content decreased with the advancement of maturity and was found to be higher in ammonium sulphate and DAP combination treatment at fully matured stage in comparison to all other treatments.