The effectiveness of preharvest zinc application on yield and fruit quality in Maghrahi banana.

摘要

The effects of application of zinc sulfate or chelate (0.5%) via spraying on the bunch or injection on the bunch axis on Maghrahi banana performance were investigated during 2003-04 and 2004-05 in Giza, Egypt. Zinc applications increased finger characteristics (such as length and diameter) and bunch characteristics compared to the control. Spraying zinc increased finger weight and pulp Ca content. The injection method increased P, K and Zn contents in the pulp. Zinc sulfate was more effective than chelate in improving finger weight, length and diameter; bunch weight; total soluble solids and total acidity ratio; and Ca and N contents in pulp. Zinc chelate (zinc EDTA) increased total soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents in the pulp. Zinc sulfate, injected or sprayed, was effective in improving fruit yield and quality..