engleski

The influence of potassium foliar application on mineral content of fig (Ficus carica L.) leaves and fruits

Fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium and calcium. Potassium is macronutrient which has an essential role in the biochemical processes related to protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and enzyme activation. Foliar application of three different mineral fertilizers, potassium EDTA chelate (1.5%), potassium phosphite (2.5%), and potassium thiosulphate (0.2%), was carried out on August 3, 2017 on cultivar ‘Petrovača bijela’ in the fig orchard of the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč (Croatia), while untreated fig trees were the control treatment. Leaves and fruits were collected 20 days after foliar application of mineral fertilizers. Mineral composition (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S, Si and Zn) of leaves and fruits was analyzed by ICPE-9820 Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer. There was no significant difference in mineral composition between the treatments in leaves and fruits (p<0.05). The leaf potassium content was higher by 11.92 and 19.51% (in potassium EDTA chelate and potassium thiosulphate treatment, respectively), while fruit potassium content was higher by 8.70 and 6.72% (in potassium EDTA chelate and potassium thiosulphate treatment, respectively). As fig is a tree which has its own nutrient reserves in root and branches, multiannual experiment with foliar fertilization would for sure have stronger positive effect.

Ficus carica L., mineral nutrition, foliar application, potassium

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