INFLUENCE OF SALINITY OF IRRIGATION WATER ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF VALENCIA ORANGE TREES GROWN ON NEW RECLAIMED SOILS.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Citrus Dept., Horticulture Res. Institute, A.R.E., Egypt.

Abstract

The effect of four levels of saline irrigation water (394& 1130.144 7 and 2045
ppm) on growth. some chemical components (leaf chlorophyll a.b and carotene. shoot
starch and total carbohydrates). leaf mineral contents. tree fruiling. yield and physical
and chemical fruit properties of Valencia orange trees cultivated at new reclaimed
areas were studied for three (1999.2000 and 2001) successive seasons. Shoot
number. shoot length. number of leaves/shoot of different growth cycles, tree canopy,
leaf area, leaf specific weight, leaf chlorophyll a,b and carotene contents. shoot starch
and total carbohydrates, leaf (P,K and Cal. fruit set percentage, fruiting percentage,
yield as (fruit No./tree, Kg.flree), fruit weight. fruit size and Juice weight percentage.
were adversely affected by salinity of irrigation water. On the contrary it increased leaf
(N. Na. Ct. Zn, Fe and Mn), June drop. T.S.S. Acidity, T.S.S/Acid ratio and Vitamin C.