Influence of foliar application of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate on qualitative and quantitative traits of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Foliar application of nutrient is more efficient than soil-applied. In this project the effect of calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate on qualitative and quantitative traits was investigated in seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.). Seedless barberry shrubs with different reproductive statuses (ON and OFF) were treated with spraying of calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) or potassium nitrate (KNO3) solutions at concentration of 0.5% and distilled water (as control) four times during different fruit growth and development stages. The results showed that foliar application of both chemical salts significantly increased the number of clusters per branch, the number of berries per branch and the number of berries per cluster in 2017. The highest and the lowest number of clusters per branch, and the number of berries per branch were obtained in KNO3 and control treatments, respectively in 2018. Also, the greatest the number of berries per cluster was recorded in treated plants with Ca(NO3)2 in 2018. The nitrogen content of fruit was higher in Ca(NO3)2 treatment. The highest fruit calcium content was obtained in Ca(NO3)2 treatment in both seasons. Berries treated with distilled water (control) were redder, and the fruits treated with Ca(NO3)2 and KNO3 (0.5%) were brighter in the 2017 season. However, the quality of treated fruit with Ca(NO3)2 and KNO3 (0.5%) was higher than the control in both years. The results showed that foliar spraying with Ca(NO3)2 and KNO3 significantly improved the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of barberry fruit compared to the control.