Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Ningdalli Mallikarjun, Sunilkumar NM, Akshaykumar and Gnyandev B

Abstract:
In recent times, there has been a growing interest among fruit cultivators in utilizing micronutrients due to their advantageous nutritional contributions. This trend is driven by the desire for improved yields and more favorable returns. With the aim of promoting this concept to mango cultivators in the region, an initiative was undertaken by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Bidar, Karnataka, India. From 2018 to 2021, they conducted practical demonstrations in the fields of farmers. The primary objective was to instill confidence in and persuade mango growers regarding the positive effects of applying foliar micronutrients, particularly the 'Arka Mango Special' formulation developed by IIHR in Bengaluru. This formulation is designed to adequately supply essential micronutrients to the plants, thereby enhancing the yield and quality of mango fruits. The demonstration encompassed 15 individual farmers' orchards, each covering an acre of land. A randomized block design was adopted, incorporating two distinct treatments: T₁ involved the control practice of spraying normal water, while T₂ encompassed the application of 'Arka Mango Special' at a rate of 0.5%. In both treatments, four foliar sprays were administered annually. These sprays were strategically timed before flowering, during flower bud differentiation, at flower initiation, and during the marble stage of fruit growth. The results of the foliar micronutrient treatment were notably positive, leading to improvements in fruit retention, yield, and overall quality. Among the outcomes, the application of 'Arka Mango Special' yielded the most promising results. At the pea stage, it achieved the highest count of fruits per panicle (5.04), the greatest number of fruits per tree (192.4), and a superior fruit yield (7.55 t/ha) compared to the control, which represented the farmers' conventional practice.