Enhancing custard apple quality and yield: the influence of pruning severity and nutrient management

Abstract

An experiment entitled "Enhancing custard apple quality and yield: the influence of pruning severity and nutrient management" was conducted during the year 2019-20 at Shivar Block, Central Research Station, Akola. The primary objectives were to investigate the influence of pruning severity and integrated nutrient management (INM) on the yield and quality of custard apple (cv. Balanagar). The study employed a factorized randomized block design (FRBD) with nine treatment combinations and three replications, encompassing three pruning intensities (20 cm, 15 cm, and control) and three INM applications (I1: 75% RDF + 100g AM + 100g Azotobacter + 100g PSB + 0.50kg neem cake; I2: Half N + Full P&K + 100g AM + 100g Azotobacter + 100g PSB + 0.50kg neem cake with staggered nitrogen application; and control). The results demonstrated that pruning at 20 cm significantly enhanced days to flowering, fruit set percentage, number of fruits per plant, yield, and fruit quality, including average fruit weight, fruit volume, fruit-to-pulp ratio, pulp percentage, and various biochemical parameters such as total soluble solids, acidity, and sugar content. The INM regimen involving staggered nitrogen application (I2) showed superior performance across similar parameters. The combination of 20 cm pruning with the INM regimen (Half N + Full P&K + AM + Azotobacter + PSB + neem cake) applied at specific intervals (June, July, and August) resulted in the highest improvements in yield and fruit quality metrics. This study highlights the importance of strategic pruning and nutrient management in enhancing the productivity and quality of custard apple, providing a practical framework for growers to optimize their cultivation practices.