RELATIONSHIP OF THE GROWTH AND FRUITING OF 'BALADY 'MANDARIN TREES BY SPRAYING SALICYLIC ACID AND CITRIC ACID

Abstract

During 2020 & 2021 seasons, 10 years old 'Balady' mandarin trees ( Citrus reticulata , Blanco) growing in sandy soil, at private orchard located at Al-Kassara watercourse, El-Salhia El-Gadida, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt were subjected to five gradual concentrations (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) of salicylic acid (SA) or/and citric acid (CA). The study aimed to examine the effect of SA and CA each one alone or in combination on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of the 'Balady' mandarin. Using SA or/and CA was very effective in stimulating vegetative growth, leaves main pigments, yield and its components as well as fruit quality, relative to the control. Furthermore, concerning the two vegetative growth parameters, yield and fruit quality parameters spraying SA present superior effect rather than spraying CA. However, the combined application of SA and CA was significantly higher than using any one alone. Furthermore, non-significant differences were observed between the two highest concentrations (400 and 500 ppm). It could be concluded that treating Balady mandarin grown under sandy soil with SA and CA each one at 400 ppm seems necessary for improving growth, productivity and fruit quality of 'Balady' mandarin.