Singh, P.N.Nirgude, Vishal2019-01-032019-01-032018-07http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810088627The present investigation was carried out at the Horticultural Research Centre, Patharchatta as well as in the Department of Horticulture, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to find out the most effective combination of NPK fertigation with foliar application of Fe and B on overall performance of peach during 2015-16 and 2016-17 growing seasons. Five and six year old low-chill peach cultivar Shan-e-Punjab was used for the study. Based on recommended dose of fertilizer (420:240:300g NPK/tree/year) for conventional method, nine treatments were formulated which replicated thrice in randomized block design. The results showed that the maximum increase in growth parameters (tree height, trunk girth, canopy spread, canopy volume and annual shoot growth) and physiological parameters (leaf area, SPAD index, chlorophyll content and physiological active iron of leaf) were recorded with 100% RDN + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate followed by 100% RDN + 0.25% Ferrous sulphate. Whereas, the maximum fruit yield (number of fruits per tree and yield per tree), physical (weight, length, breadth, volume, firmness, pulp and stone weight) and chemical parameters (TSS, acidity, sugar, ascorbic acid and carotenoid content), were recorded under 75% RDN + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate + 0.2% Borax followed by 75% RDN + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate + 0.25% Borax. This treatment has also registered the higher benefit: cost ratio. Apart from this, the nutrient status (both soil and leaf) were found higher with 100% RDN + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate, although, statistically it was found at par with 75% RDN + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate + 0.2% Borax. Furthermore, the minimum values of growth, physical, yield, quality, nutrient and experimental economics were recorded under control, where conventional fertilization was practised. Therefore, on the basis of obtained results it could be concluded that peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab is highly responsive to fertigation and foliar applications for all the attributes under study. The split application of NPK fertilizers through fertigation and foliar applications of iron and boron at appropriate stages resulted in better performance of trees. Thus, fertilizer dose of 75% RDN + 0.5% Ferrous sulphate + 0.2% Borax, found best for peach cv. Shan-e-Punjab under Tarai conditions.ennullThesis