Leaf nutrient status of pomegranate (Punica granatum) orchards in district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The investigation entitled “Leaf nutrient status of pomegranate (Punica granatum) orchards in district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh” was carried during 2015-2016. Based on uniformity in respect of tree age and vigour, thirty orchards of “Bhagwa” cultivar were selected and leaf sampling was done from the twigs of current season growth at 8th leaf from the apex with 50 leaves per sample. The results indicated that leaf N, P and K contents in the pomegranate orchards exhibited a range of 1.12 to 2.80, 0.22 to 0.44 and 0.45 to 2.51 per cent with mean values of 1.96, 0.29 and 0.83 per cent, respectively. The macro nutrients were in sufficient to high range except K and S. The leaf micro nutrient status was sufficient to high except Zn and B, which were low and deficient in 90 and 40 per cent of the orchards, respectively. The K content in growing plants was significantly and positively correlated with Mg and Fe. Thus, the concentration of mineral elements is needed to be studied in tissue as it has a controlling influence on growth, vigour and fruitfulness of plant.