Influence of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and their relationship with yield and quality parameters in high density apple Cv. silver spur under temperate conditions of Kashmir

Abstract

Field trial was conducted during 2015-16 to study the effect of different levels of NPK on yield and quality parameters (tree height, trunk girth, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight) of High Density Apple cv. Silver Spur. Soil samples were taken randomly at two stages viz., before fertilizer application and after fertilizer application and were subsequently analysed. The investigation consisted of 10 treatment combinations with different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The results revealed that the highest tree height (194.3 cm), trunk girth (17.0 cm), fruit length (6.98 cm), fruit diameter (7.38 cm), fruit weight (198.6 g) and fruit yield (4.0 kg/tree) was recorded in treatment with 105 g N/tree, 35 g P/tree and 150 g K/tree. Available nitrogen exhibited significant and positive coefficient of correlation with tree height (r=0.805), annual extension growth (r=0.873), tree girth (r=0.654), fruit length (r=0.749), fruit weight (r= 0.783) and fruit yield (r=0.888). The relationship between available phosphorus with tree girth was positive and significant (r=0.759). The available potassium had significant and positive correlation with tree height (r=0.606). Available calcium had significant and positive correlation with fruit diameter (r=0.710). Available sulphur had significant and positive correlation with fruit length (r=0.680), fruit diameter (r=0.659) and fruit weight (r=0.794). Available zinc revealed a positive and significant correlation with fruit weight (r=0.695). Available copper had positive and significant correlation with fruit length (r=0.768), fruit diameter (r= 0.707) and fruit weight (r=0.633). The relationship between available iron with annual shoot extension growth (r=0.611), fruit length (r=0.742) and fruit diameter (r=0.748) was positive and significant. Available manganese had positive and significant correlation with fruit weight (r=0.681). All other correlation coefficients observed were non-significant.