Interactive Effects of Calcium Chloride and Borax Foliar Sprays on the Biochemical Quality of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)
Jitendra Kumar Shukla
Shri Mahavir Thakur School of Agriculture Sciences, Sandip University, Neelam Vidya Vihar, Sijoul, Mailam, Madhubani, Bihar, India.
Robin Kumar *
Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST, JAMMU-180009, India.
Ekta
Department of Agriculture Sciences, Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Niharika Gurudev
Department of Fruit Science, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (U.P) – 250110, India.
Gosangi Avinash
Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramanna Gudem, Tadepallegudem-534101, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Rita Fredericks
Precision Grow (A Unit of Tech Visit IT Pvt Ltd), India.
Mohit Kashyap
Department of Soil Science, CSK HPKV, Palampur Pincode176062, India.
Sourav Man
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar-736165, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of pre-harvest foliar applications of calcium chloride and borax alone and in combinations on critical biochemical parameters of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49. Nine treatment groups included various concentrations of calcium chloride and borax, both individually and in combination, with untreated controls for comparison. Analysis focused on total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and total sugar contents. Results demonstrated significant improvements in fruit biochemical quality with combined applications, particularly at higher concentrations. The combination of calcium chloride 0.2% with borax 0.1% significantly improved TSS, ascorbic acid, reducing, non-reducing, and total sugar contents, while also minimizing acidity. These improvements in fruit quality result from better nutrient uptake, stronger cell walls, and positive metabolic changes. These findings support the synergistic role of calcium and boron in improving not only yield but also the nutritional and organoleptic value of guava.
Keywords: Ascorbic acid, borax, calcium chloride, Guava cv. L-49, micronutrient interaction