Foliar Spray of Micro-nutrients in Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco); An Efficient Technique of Nutrient Management

Foliar application of micronutrients is a new concept in citriculture, foliar fertilizer application is practiced for treatment of deficiency symptoms like zinc, manganese, boron, copper and magnesium deficiencies. Properly nourished crops can tolerate insects, pest sand diseases. Direct soil application of micronutrients was practiced traditionally which cannot fulfill the deficiency symptoms. Foliar fertilization has been a key factor to stimulate the natural defense mechanisms of trees, pest and disease resistance and further improve the fruit quality and yield and a new alternative for treatment of nutritional deficiencies. Boron, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum are the most essential micro nutrients that can be sprayed as foliar application. Several research findings concluded that foliar application is not only a cost effective method but also improve yield up to 45%