Growth and Quality Response of Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) to Varying Pruning Intensities and Foliar Micronutrient Applications

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of different pruning intensities and foliar applications of micronutrients on the vegetative growth, yield, and quality attributes of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) under subtropical conditions. Study Design: Factorial randomized block design with two factors—pruning intensity and foliar micronutrient application. Place and Duration of Study: Main Experiment Station, Department of Fruit Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the 2018–2019 cropping season. Methodology: The experiment comprised various pruning intensities (50 cm, 75 cm, and others) combined with foliar sprays of micronutrients including FeSO₄ (0.4%), ZnSO₄ (0.4%), and Borax (0.2%). Data on vegetative traits (shoot length, number of shoots, leaves per shoot, internodal length), yield parameters (fruit yield per hectare), and quality traits (reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars) were recorded using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was performed to determine treatment effects and significance levels. Results: Pruning at 75 cm resulted in the maximum shoot length (216.19 cm), whereas 50 cm pruning produced the highest number of shoots (49.88), leaves per shoot (80.24), and fruit yield (23.81 q/ha). Among foliar applications, FeSO₄ at 0.4% enhanced shoot length (213.86 cm), shoot number (50.00), and leaf count (81.61). ZnSO₄ at 0.4% produced the longest internodal length (7.15 cm). Fruit yield was highest with FeSO₄ at 0.4% (23.36 q/ha), statistically comparable to Borax at 0.2%. Quality attributes were significantly improved under 50 cm pruning, which recorded the highest reducing sugars (15.24%), non-reducing sugars (3.97%), and total sugars (19.22%). Conclusion: Moderate pruning at 50 cm combined with foliar application of FeSO₄ at 0.4% proved most effective in enhancing vegetative growth, fruit yield, and quality of phalsa. This integrated approach offers a practical and efficient strategy for improving phalsa productivity in subtropical regions.

Affiliated Institutions

• Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology IN
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University IN

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