The Effects of Different Levels of Boron on Fruit Cracking and Quality of Sweet Cherry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i2.461Keywords:
Boron, Cherry, Fruit cracking, Fruit quality, RainfallAbstract
Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium L.) are a highly nutritious fruit, beneficial for health due to their antioxidants (anthocyanins) and melatonin. However, fruit cracking is a serious physiological problem that causes economic losses. Boron deficiency is considered an important cause of cherry fruit cracking because it reduces skin strength and structural integrity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of boron (Boron Plus 5% w/v) on reducing fruit cracking and improving fruit quality. The experiment was conducted in 2024 in a cherry orchard located in Malang Village, Khak-e-Jabar District, Kabul Province, using an RCBD Design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were as follows: T1 – Control; T2 – 2 mL L⁻¹; T3 – 3 mL L⁻¹; T4 – 4 mL L⁻¹; and T5 – 5 mL L⁻¹ boron foliar application. The results, analyzed using LSD at 5% significance level, indicated that boron application significantly reduced the percentage and severity of fruit cracking while improving fruit quality. Across all ripening stages, the lowest fruit cracking and the highest proportion of healthy fruits were observed in T5, whereas the control showed the poorest results. Sensory evaluation also ranked T5 as the best treatment. In summary, foliar application of boron at 5 mL L⁻¹ application of boron during three critical developmental stages effectively minimized fruit cracking and improved fruit performance. Its use is recommended under similar climatic conditions. Future research should focus on the combined use of boron with calcium and zinc, as well as comparative studies among different cherry cultivars.
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