Response of Dashehari mango to different Zn levels on yield and pulp nutrient contents grown on sandy loam soils of Lucknow

Abstract

Dashehari is the leading mango variety grown in Indo-Gangetic plain. Its yield is affected severely by the micronutrient deficiencies. Zinc and boron are the two important micronutrients which limit the yield and quality of Dashehari mango in this region. Hence a field study was taken up to understand the responses of Dashehari mango to different levels of Zn. Results indicated yield enhancement with proper Zn supplementation through foliar sprays. Highest yield of 43.50±2.00 to 50.72±2.40 kg tree-1 was recorded with 1.0% ZnSO₄ application, followed by 42.27±1.26 (1.5% ZnSO₄) to 47.85±1.65 (0.75% ZnSO₄) kg tree-1. TSS (19.63±0.25 to 20.27±0.40°Brix), acidity (0.150±0.01 to 0.200±0.02%) and ascorbic acid (29.46±2.29 to 35.17±1.32 mg per 100 g) variations were noted under the influence of various Zn treated fruits. Foliar spray application also caused nutrient richness in mango fruit pulp showing improvement in Zn concentration in fruit pulp from 1.17±0.10 to 1.73±0.10 mg kg-1. Highest concentration of B, Cu, Fe and Mn were observed (3.13±0.018, 4.37±0.06, 7.87±0.06, 20.10±0.15 mg kg-1 respectively) with P and K concentrations of 0.026±0.0002 & 0.28±0.001% respectively. Significant difference in leaf and soil Zn content was also recorded. The results indicated that yield and quality of Dashehari mango can be improved with foliar spray of Zn in sandy loam soil.