This study was carried out during 2014 and 2015 seasons for examining the effect of different concentrations (50,100 and 200 ppm) and frequencies of application (once, twice or thrice) of salicylic acid on fruit splitting%, yield and fruit quality of Manfalouty pomegranate trees grown under Minia region conditions.
Treating Manfalouty pomegranate trees with salicylic acid once, twice or thrice at 50 to 200 ppm was very effective in stimulating all growth aspects, leaf pigments, N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu, initial fruit setting% and fruit retention%, gross and marketable yields, physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits relative to the control treatment. The promotion was materially associated with increasing concentrations from 50 to 200 ppm and frequencies of application from once to thrice. Fruit shape, fruit pomace% and reducing sugars were unaffected with salicylic acid treatments. Fruit splitting % was greatly declined with salicylic acid treatments.
Carrying out two sprays of salicylic acid at 100 ppm at growth start and again just after fruit setting was responsible for controlling fruit splitting % and improving yield and fruit quality of Manfalouty pomegranate trees grown under Minia region conditions.