Document Type : Research paper
Author
Date palm research center/ University of Basrah
10.22059/ijhst.2024.371079.766
Abstract
Improper uses of fertilizers and unskilled practices in date palm orchard management usually result in nutrient depletion, leading to reduced productivity. To address this issue, a study was conducted to assess the impact of nano-chelated iron and organic fertilizer (Potgrond) on physiological, biochemical, physical characteristics, and productivity of date palm. The experiment took place in a private orchard located in Al-Haritha District, Basra, Iraq (2022-2023). A combination of foliar nano-chelated iron (180 mg L-1) and the field application of organic fertilizer (potgrond) (8 kg tree-1) caused maximum values of leaf chlorophyll content (9.99 mg 100 g-1), carbohydrates (49.15 mg g-1), nitrogen (3.06%), phosphorus (0.223%), potassium (2.15%), and iron (0.198%), compared to the control treatment. The lowest values of leaf chlorophyll content (6.81 mg 100 g-1), carbohydrates (26.27 mg g-1), nitrogen (1.58%), phosphorus (0.126%), potassium (1.13%), and iron (0.105%) occurred in response to the absence of nano-chelated iron and potgrond. The foliar application of nano-chelated iron (180 mg L-1) and potgrond (8 kg tree-1) caused the highest values of fruit length (3.91 cm), diameter (2.92 cm), weight (11.40 g), size (12.11 cm3), dry matter (64.77%), total soluble solids (62.69%), and total sugars (59.26%). The absence of nano-chelated iron and potgrond caused the lowest values of fruit length (3.39 cm), diameter (2.50 cm), weight (8.05 g), size (8.36 cm3), dry matter (58.63%), total soluble solids (56.42%), and total sugars (54.59%). These findings underscored the significant of utilizing these substances to enhance date palm growth while increasing yield production and quality.
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