Effect of Megacal a Calcium based Micronutrient Formulation on Quality and Yield of Apple

The present investigation aimed at evaluating the importance of ca based nutrient sprays Viz the Bio-efficacy of Megacal containing Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Iron and Cu, as organic product. The sprays were used on apple cv. Red Delicious for a period of two years at farmers field in district Shopian during 2016 and 2017. Healthy trees of uniform age (20 years) were selected. Cultural practices and plant protection measures were uniform for all the selected trees, irrespective of treatments. On each tree four branches from four sides were marked, for different flower and fruit observation measures. The experimental design was RBD with four replications in each treatment. T1 comprised of MegaCal basal application @ 1 kg per tree and spray @ 2ml/litre at petal fall, walnut stage and Fruit Development stage 1. InT2 the concentration was raised to 3ml/litre and was again sprayed at petal fall, walnut stage and Fruit Development stage 1 with basla application as 1 kg per tree. While as T3 comprised of three sprays@ 4 ml/ litre with sprays again at petal fall, walnut stage and Fruit Development stage. Results showed that different treatment had various effects on fruit set and fruit quantity and quality. The chemical had significant impact on fruit set, fruit retention, yield fruit and fruit firmness. Further it was observed that chemical sprayed at concentration 2 ml/l with basal application @ 1kg/tree had significant impact on yield and fruit quality characteristics.