Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

4(3): 1-13, 2017; Article no.AJAAR.37900 ISSN: 2456-8864

Impact of Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid and Some Nutrients (Folifert, Potaqueen) on Fruit Yield and Quality of Washington Navel Orange Trees

H. E. M. El-Badawy 1, S. F. El-Gioushy 1* , M. H. M. Baiea 2 and A. A. El-Khwaga 1

1Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt. 2Department of Horticultural Crops Technology, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Authors HEMEB, SFEG and MHMB designed the study, performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol and wrote the first draft of the manuscript and managed the analyses of the study. Author AAEK managed the literature searches. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information

DOI: 10.9734/AJAAR/2017/37900 Editor(s): (1) Muhammad Azam, Professor, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. (2) Oguz Dolgun, Associate professor, Department of Plant and Animal Production, Adnan Menderes University, Sultanhisar Vocational College, Turkey. Reviewers: (1) Adalberto Di Benedetto, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. (2) Anibal Condor Golec, Peru. (3) Ashraf Ezzat Hamdy, Al-Azhar University, Egypt. Complete Peer review History: http://prh.sdiarticle3.com/review-history/22578

Received 1st November 2017 st Original Research Article Accepted 1 January 2018 Published 3rd January 2018

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted on 11-year-old Washington navel orange trees budded on sour orange rootstock grown in loamy sand soil under surface irrigation system at a private orchard at Manzala village, Toukh region, Qalubia Governorate, Egypt during 2015 &2016 seasons. to investigate the influence of foliar application with citric acid (CA) 1 g/L, ascorbic acid (AA) 1 g/L, Folifert 1.5 g/L and Potaqueen 3 g/L on fruiting aspects and fruit quality. However, the beneficial effect varied greatly from one investigated treatment to another. Anyhow, the treatment T 12 (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L + Potaqueen at 3 g/L) was statistically the superior for Washington navel orange trees during two experimental seasons. Also T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) came second. The reverse was true with the water sprayed treatment (control) which ranked statistically the last rank during the two experimental seasons the trend was true almost with all the investigated measurements, fruiting aspects (fruit set, fruit ______

*Corresponding author: Email: [email protected], [email protected];

El-Badawy et al.; AJAAR, 4(3): 1-13, 2017; Article no.AJAAR.37900

retention and yield as No. or weight of harvested fruits per trees besides yield per one tree, and fruit quality: a- physical properties (average fruit weight, fruit dimension s, shape index, peel thickness and fruit juice volume), b- chemical properties (TSS%, total acidity %, TSS/Acid ratio, total sugars and vitamin C contents). On the other hand, nine other investigated treatments were in-between the aforesaid two extremes, in spite of the statistically varied as compared to the abovementioned superior (T 12 ) and inferior (T 1) treatments during two experimental seasons.

Keywords: Washington navel orange; citric acid; ascorbic acid; fruiting aspects; fruit quality; Folifert and Potaqueen.

1. INTRODUCTION fruit quality. Such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium zinc, manganese and (Citrus is considered to be one of the world’s boron [6-14] were highly effective in improving, most common popular and favorite fruit. In Egypt, nutritional status, yield and quality of different [420333.6 faddans = one faddan = 0.42ha) fruit trees. (more than 39% from total fruit area) are planted with citrus trees. The production of citrus in Egypt Thus, this study aimed to investigate the was increased to 3980151 tonnes in 2012 [1]. influence of foliar application with citric acid (CA), Thus, Egypt is considered to be one of the ten ascorbic acid (AA), Folifert and Potaqueen on largest producers of citrus in the world. Thereby, yield aspects and fruit quality of Washington strenuous efforts have always been exerted for navel orange trees. increasing production of citrus through a better understanding of its reaction to environment and 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS mineral nutrition. This study was carried out during 2015 & 2016 The small antioxidant molecule vitamin C (L- seasons on 11-year-old Washington navel ascorbic acid, AA) fulfills essential metabolic orange trees budded on sour orange rootstock functions in the life of animals and plants. Some grown at 5.0 meters a parts in loamy sand soil fungi can synthesize erythro-ascorbic acid, a under surface irrigation of a private orchard at vitamin C analogue with similar metabolic Manzala village, Toukh region, Qaloubia functions. Among prokaryotes, only Governorate, Egypt. All trees were subjected to cyanobacteria have been reported to have a the same horticultural practices [irrigation, small AA amount [2]. fertilization, weeds & pest control] adopted in the region according to the recommendation of the Ascorbic acid is a regulator of plant growth and Ministry of Agriculture (250 kg nitrogen fertilizers, development owing to its effects on cell division 200 kg phosphorus fertilizers and 100kg and differentiation and it involves in wide range potassium fertilizers). It was devoted to of important functions such as antioxidants investigate the influence of foliar application with defense, photo protection and regulation of citric acid (CA), ascorbic acid (AA), Folifert photosynthesis and growth regulation. [3] (Folifert content: Zn 7.06%, Mn 4.20, Fe 2.80%, Reported that ascorbic acid gave the best yield Cu 2% and B 0.6%) and Potaqueen (Potaqueen and bunch quality on Flame seedless grapevine. content: N 5%, P 5% and K 36.5%) in addition to tap water as control treatment. Citric acid plays an essential role in signal transduction system, membrane stability and The treatments used in this study as follow: functions, activating transporter enzymes, metabolism and translocation of carbohydrates T1 - Tap water (control). [4]. Also, citric acid as antioxidant is suggested T2 - Citric acid (CA) at 1g/L. mainly for improving yield and fruit in terms of T3 - Ascorbic acid (AA) at 1g/L. increasing fruit weight, total soluble solids%, and T4 - Folifert at 1.5g/L. total reducing sugar Introduction and in T5 - Potaqueen at 3g/L. decreasing pear fruit firmness and total acidity as T6 - (CA) at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L. compared with unsprayed one [5]. T7 - (CA) at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L. T8 - (AA) at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L. Many investigations studied the effect of spraying T9 - (AA) at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L. macro and micronutrients on growth, yield and T10 - Folifert at 1.5g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L.

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T11 - (CA) at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ 2.2.2 Fruits retention and drop % Potaqueen at 3 g/L. T - (AA) at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Percentage of both retained and dropped fruits, 12 st Potaqueen at 3 g/L. were periodically determined on August 1 according to the following equations: 2.1 Experiment Layout Fruits retention (%) per tree = (Number of presented (remained) fruits at a given date/ The complete randomized block design with Number of set fruitlets) x 100 three replications was employed for arranging the twelve investigated treatments, whereas Fruits drop % = (Number of dropped fruits at a each replicate was represented by a single tree. given date/ Number of set fruitlets) x 100 Consequently, 36 healthy fruitful Washington navel orange trees were carefully selected, as 2.2.3 Yield being healthy, disease free and in the on-year state. Chosen trees were divided according to On mid December 2015 and 2016 fruits of each their growth vigor into three categories [blocks] individual tree were separately harvested, then each included 12 similar trees for receiving the counted and weighed. Tree productivity (yield) 12 investigated treatments [a single tree was was estimated either as a number or weight (kg) randomly subjected to one treatment]. of harvested fruits per each tree. Besides, yield per each tree. Taking into consideration that spray treatments were applied covering the whole foliage of each 2.3 Fruit Quality tree canopy, whereas 5 liters found to be sufficient in this concern. Periodically applied 2.3.1 Fruit physical properties st 6 times/season at one-month interval [in 1 week of February, March, April, May, June and In this regard average fruit weight (g) [using ten July]. fruit]; dimensions (polar and equatorial diameters i.e., length and width in cm.); fruit shape index Methodology as has been reported in this (length: width); juice volume (cm 3) and peel/rind study in order to evaluate the response to thickness (mm) were the fruit physical various investigated treatments was carried out characteristics investigated in this regard. through determining changes in different measurements of the following examined 2.3.2 Fruit chemical properties characteristics: Fruit juice volume, total soluble solids percentage On late March 2015 and early April 2016 four (TSS%) was determined using a Carl Zeiss main branches [limbs/scaffolds] well hand refract meter. Total acidity as grams of distributed around each tree periphery were citric acid per 100 ml fruit juice was determined carefully selected and tagged during 1 st and after [16]. Total soluble solids/ acid ratio were 2nd seasons, respectively. Moreover, 20 also estimated. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) content newly spring developed shoots were also was determined using 2, 6 dichlorophenol labeled. indophenol indicator for titration after [16]. Moreover, total sugars values were determined 2.2 Fruiting Measurements according to the method described by [17].

2.4 Statistical Analysis 2.2.1 Fruit set percentage All data obtained during both seasons for At full bloom during each experimental season experiments included in this investigation were number of perfect flowers per each tagged limb subjected to analysis of variance according to was counted. After 75% of petal fall fruit set as [18]. In addition, significant differences among value of perfect flowers were estimated means were differentiated according to the according the following equation used by [15]. Duncan, multiple test range [19] where capital letters were used for distinguishing means of Fruit set % = (Number of set fruitlets/limb/ No. of different treatments for each investigated opened flowers/limb) x 100 characteristic.

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3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION orange trees subjected to T 11 (Citric acid at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) and T 12 3.1 Some Fruiting Aspects of Washington (Ascorbic acid at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L.+ Navel Orange Trees Potaqueen at 3 g/L) during two experimental seasons, respectively. Moreover, T 10 (Folifert at 3.1.1 Fruit set percentage (%) 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) ranked statistically second regarding its efficiency to increase fruit Table 1 displays obviously that eleven retention score i.e., showed 15.86 & 16.34% investigated treatments with citric acid, ascorbic during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons, acid, Folifert and Potaqueen solely or if respectively. On the contrary, the lowest fruit combined together will increased significantly the retention value was significantly induced by fruit set value over control (T 1) however T 12 water spray Washington navel orange trees (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ (control) i.e., 9.24 and 9.60 during 2015 and Potaqueen at 3 g/L) was statistically the superior. 2016 experimental seasons, respectively. In Whereas, the greatest fruit set % in Washington addition, other investigated treatments were in- navel orange trees i.e. 23.99 and 23.89% were between the aforesaid two extremes. exhibited during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons, respectively. However, T 11 (Citric acid 3.1.3 Fruit drop percentage (%) at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) ranked statistically second. Descending values It is quite clear that as shown from tabulated data are followed by T , T , T , T and T during both 10 7 9 8 5 in Table (1) that an opposite trend to the 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons. In previously found with retained fruit value was addition, T (Citric acid 1 g/L) and T (Ascorbic 2 3 obviously detected in this respect. On other side, acid 1 g/L) were the least effective as both came all investigated fertilizers treatments resulted last just prior the control (T ) during both 2015 1 significantly in reducing fruit drop percentage as and 2016 experimental seasons. compared to T 1 (control). The most effective 3.1.2 Fruit retention % treatments for reducing fruit drop% in closed relationship to the Washington navel orange It is quite evident as shown from tabulated data trees subjected to T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ in Table 2 that fruit retention followed similar Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) and T 12 trend previously which detect with fruit set value. (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ The greatest fruit retention which was Potaqueen at 3 g/L) during both 2015&2016 significantly coupled with Washington navel experimental seasons.

Table 1. Effect of some antioxidants, Folifert and Potaqueen on fruit set (%), fruit retained (%) and fruit drop (%) of Washington navel orange trees during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons

Parameters Fruit set (%) Fruit retained (%) Fruit drop (%) Treatments Seasons 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd

T1: Control (Water spray) 14.40h 14.12 i 9.24 i 9.60 h 90.76 a 90.40 a T2: Citric acid at 1g/L 15.00 g 15.06h 9.87 h 10.17 g 90.13 b 89.83 b T3: Ascorbic acid at 1g/L 15.34 g 15.18h 10.14 g 10.39 f 89.86 c 89.61 c T4: Folifert at 1.5g/L 18.10 f 18.14 g 12.81 f 13.48 d 87.19 d 86.52 e T5: Potaqueen at 3g/L 18.73 e 18.76 f 13.8 e 14.14 c 86.20 e 85.86 f T6: Citric at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L 18.72 e 18.62 f 1293 f 13.00 e 87.07 d 87.00 d T7: Citric at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 19.94d 20.48d 14.07 d 14.16 c 85.93 f 85.84 f T8: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L 18.91 e 18.64 f 12.9 f 13.01 e 87.10 d 86.99 d T9: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 19.88d 20.05 e 14.82 c 15.23 b 85.18 g 84.77 g T10 : Potaqueen at 3g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L 22.06 c 21.81 c 15.86 b 16.34 a 84.14 h 83.66 h T11 : Citric at 1g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L + 23.21b 22.88b 16.17 a 16.30 a 83.83 i 83.70 h Potaqueen at 3g/L T12 :Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ 23.99 a 23.89 a 16.12 a 16.40 a 83.84 i 83.60 h Potaqueen at 3g/L Values within each column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level

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The obtained results concerning the positive Data obtained during both 2015 and 2016 effect of foliar sprays with citric and ascorbic acid experimental seasons are presented in Table 2. on some fruiting aspects of Washington navel orange trees go in line with the findings of [20] on All measurement of tree productivity i.e. average "Anna" apple trees, [21] on "Kinnow", [22] on fruit weight, number of fruit per tree and yield per Swelling peach trees and [23] on Washington tree of harvested Washington navel orange fruits navel orange. responded positivity and significantly to the various investigated treatments. Herein, three The obtained results of foliar sprays with the measurements were increased by all Folifert on some fruiting aspects of Washington investigated treatments compared to control (T 1). navel orange trees are in harmony with earlier Meanwhile, three cropping parameters of tree reports of [24] and [25] on Washington navel productivity followed the same trend. Whereas, orange trees. They noticed that spraying Fe, Mn T12 (Ascorbic acid at1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L.+ and Zn alone or in combination increased total Potaqueen at 3g/L) surpassed statistically all yield as well as fruit weight and fruit number of other investigated treatments during 2015 and Washington navel orange trees. 2016 experimental seasons. However, T 11 (Citric acid at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ Potaqueen at Obtained results regarding the positive influence 3g/L) particularly in the second season ranked of fertilizers treatments by the Potaqueen (N, P statistically second after the superior (T 12 ). In and K) on increasing some fruiting aspects of addition, treatments (fromT 10 to T 4) were Washington navel orange cultivar are in significantly more effective than T 1, T 2, and T 3. agreement with the findings of [26] and [27] on Such trend was true during 2015 and 2016 orange. Also, [23] on Washington navel orange experimental seasons. However, the variance in trees. response between three measurements of tree productivity was in positive relationship to 3.2 Average Fruit Weight (g), Number of increase exhibited over control (T 1) by giving Fruits/Tree and Yield/Tree (kg) of nutritive treatment. Washington Navel Orange Trees The obtained results concerning the positive Yield of the Washington navel orange trees, effect of foliar sprays with citric and ascorbic expressed either as average weight, number and acid on some fruiting aspects of Washington yield of harvested fruit per tree were investigated navel orange trees go in line with the findings three productivity parameters regarding the of [28] on"Manfalouty" pomegranate trees, response to differential investigated treatments. [29] on "Banaty" grapevines, [30] on

Table 2. Effect of some antioxidants, Folifert and Potaqueen on average fruit weight (g), number of fruits/tree and yield/tree (Kg) of Washington navel orange trees during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons

Parameters Average fruit No. of fruits/tree Yield/tree (Kg) weigh (g) Treatments Seasons 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd T1: Control (Water spray) 220.00k 219.73j 97.00 g 95.67h 21.35 j 21.03 i T2: Citric acid at 1g/L 230.33 j 234.67i 102.67 f 101.33g 23.65 i 23.79 h T3: Ascorbic acid at 1g/L 236.67 i 238.00h 104.00 f 102.33g 24.62 i 24.36 h T4: Folifert at 1.5g/L 252.33h 255.67g 132.67 e 130.33f 33.49 h 33.34 g T5: Potaqueen at 3g/L 263.33 f 266.67f 141.30 d 139d 37.23 f 37.08 e T6: Citric at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L 253.60h 256.67g 135.67 e 133.67e 34.43 h 34.32 g T7: Citric at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 265.67e 269.33e 149.33 c 146.67c 39.69 e 39.51 d T8: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L 256.33g 256.67g 141.00 d 140.33d 36.15 g 36.03 f T9: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 272.33d 273.33d 151.67 c 148.67c 41.31 d 40.64 c T10 : Potaqueen at 3g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L 285.00c 286.00c 163.00 b 159.67b 46.48 c 45.68 b T11 : Citric at 1g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L + 291.00b 293.66b 166.67 a 164.33a 48.51 b 48.27 a Potaqueen at 3g/L T12 :Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ 294.33a 296.66a 168.33 a 165.67a 49.56 a 49.16 a Potaqueen at 3g/L Values within each column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level

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"Thompson seedless" grapevines, [31] on " resulted significantly in the tallest polar and Kelsey" plum trees, [5] on "Le-Conte" pear trees, equatorial diameters. [32] on mango cultivars (Zebda, Awase, Alphonso and Taimour), [20] on “Anna" apple Statically followed by T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ trees, [21] on "Kinnow", [22] on Swelling peach Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) which trees and [23] on Washington navel orange. followed by T 10 (Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L). On the contrary, T 1 (control), T 2 (Citric The obtained results of foliar sprays with Folifert acid at 1 g/L) and T 3 (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L) on some fruiting aspects of Washington navel which induced significantly the poorest fruits in orange trees are in harmony with earlier reports their dimensions during 2015 and 2016 of [33], [34], [24] and [25] on Washington navel experimental seasons. In addition, other orange trees. They noticed that spraying Fe, Mn investigated treatments were in-between the and Zn alone or in combination increased total aforesaid extremes either noticeable degree of yield as well as fruit weight and fruit number of efficiency linked with T 7 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ Washington navel orange trees. Potaqueen at 3 g/L) and T 6 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L) compared to the analogous Obtained results regarding the positive influence members of such intermediate treatments. Such of fertilizers treatments by the Potaqueen (N, P trend was true during 2015 and 2016 and K) on increasing some fruiting aspects of experimental seasons. Washington navel orange cultivar are in agreement with the findings of [35-40] on mango, 3.3.3 Fruit shape index

[41] on mandarin, [26] and [27] on orange. They Concerning the fruit shape index (polar diameter: mentioned that spraying the aforementioned fruit equatorial diameter) of Washington navel orange crop species with N, P, and K alone or in cv. In response to differential investigated combinations gave the best results with regard treatments, Table 3 shows clearly that the yield expressed in weight and number of fruits variances were relatively too few to be taking into per tree. Also, [23] demonstrated that the highest consideration from the statistical point of few. potassium silicate (0.20%) in combination with Such trend was during 2015 and 2016 two salicylic acid concentrations (100 & 200 experimental seasons. Variations in fruit shape ppm) particularly higher one were the most index indices due to the differential investigated effective for most measurements of fruiting treatment could be logically explained on the aspects (fruit set, fruit retention and yield as No. unparalleled response of two fruit dimension to a or weight of harvested fruits per trees of given treatment. Since, in most cases the Washington navel orange trees. increase in fruit polar diameter was relatively higher than those resulted in fruit equatorial 3.3 Fruit Quality Measurements of diameter as the response to each treatment was Washington Navel Orange Trees individually taking into consideration.

3.3.1 Fruit physical properties 3.3.4 Fruit peel thickness (mm)

In this regard average fruit weight (g.); Concerning the response of fruit peel thickness dimensions (polar and equatorial diameters i.e., to the differential investigated treatments. Table length and width in cm.); fruit shape index 4 display obviously that Washington navel 3 (length: width); juice volume (cm ) and peel/rind orange fruits of subjected trees to T 12 (Ascorbic thickness (mm) were the fruit physical acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 characteristics investigated in this regard. g/L) had significantly the thickest fruit peel thickness i.e., 3.25 and 3.33 mm during 2015 3.3.2 Fruit dimensions and 2016 experimental seasons, respectively statistically in the thickest fruit peel thickness The polar and equatorial fruit diameters of followed by T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at Washington navel orange fruits were the 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L). Moreover, other investigated two fruit dimensions regarding their treatments could be arranged into the following response to differential treatments. Table 3 descending order. T 10 (Folifert at 1.5 g/L.+ shows obviously that both parameters responded Potaqueen at 3 g/L), T 9 (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L.+ significantly to some treatments. However, T 12 Potaqueen at 3 g/L), T 7 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) and T 5 (Potaqueen at 3 g/L) Potaqueen at 3 g/L) was the superior and which ranked 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th and 6 th after aforesaid

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two superior treatments. Such trend was during declared that investigated treatments increased it both experimental seasons, the reverse was true significantly over control during both with ware sprayed (T 1) Washington navel orange experimental seasons of study. Generally, it trees where the thinnest peel thickness (2.54 and could be noticed the superiority of T 12 (Ascorbic 2.57 mm) were resulted during 2015 and 2016 acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 experimental seasons, respectively. g/L) followed by T 11 (Citric acid at 1g/L+ Folifert

at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) and T 10 (Folifert 3.4 Fruit Chemical Properties at 1.5 g/L.+ Potaqueen at 3g/L) in both

3 experimental seasons. However, T (control) 3.4.1 Juice volume (cm ) 1 ranked statistically last rank during both seasons The response of fruit juice volume of various of study. investigated treatments as shown from Table 4

Table 3. Effect of some antioxidants, Folifert and Potaqueen on fruit dimensions (cm) and fruit shape index of Washington navel orange trees during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons

Parameters Fruit dimensions (cm) Fruit shape index Polar diameter Equatorial diameter Treatments Seasons 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd

T1: Control (Water spray) 7.74 f 7.76 f 7.76 f 7.79 f 0.998 a 0.997 a T2: Citric acid at 1g/L 7.76 f 7.78 f 7.78 f 7.80 f 0.998 a 0.998 a T3: Ascorbic acid at 1g/L 7.78 f 7.79 f 7.80 f 7.81 f 0.997 a 0.998 a T4: Folifert at 1.5g/L 7.89 e 7.91 e 7.90 e 7.93 e 0.999 a 0.998 a T5: Potaqueen at 3g/L 7.98 d 7.99 d 8.01 d 8.01 d 0.997 a 0.998 a T6: Citric at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L 8.00 d 8.01 d 8.03 d 8.03 d 0.996 a 0.998 a T7: Citric at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 8.08 c 8.10 c 8.11 c 8.12 c 0.996 a 0.997 a T8: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L 8.00 d 8.01 d 8.03 d 8.03 d 0.996 a 0.997 a T9: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 8.08 c 8.08 c 8.11 c 8.10 c 0.996 a 0.998 a T10 : Potaqueen at 3g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L 8.41 b 8.52 b 8.44 b 8.55 b 0.996 a 0.997 a T11 : Citric at 1g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L + 8.47 a 8.52 b 8.49 b 8.55 b 0.998 a 0.997 a Potaqueen at 3g/L

T12 :Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ 8.51 a 8.58 a 8.56 a 8.60 a 0.995 a 0.997 a Potaqueen at 3g/L Values within each column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level

Table 4. Effect of some antioxidants, Folifert and Potaqueen on peel thickness (mm) and juice volume (cm 3) of Washington navel orange trees during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons

Parameters Peel thickness Juice volume (mm) (cm 3) Treatments Seasons 1st 2nd 1st 2nd

T1: Control (Water spray) 2.54 j 2.57 l 71.55 i 71.68 g T2: Citric acid at 1g/L 2.62 i 2.64 k 74.43 h 75.2 f T3: Ascorbic acid at 1g/L 2.66 h 2.69 j 78.29 g 78.43 e T4: Folifert at 1.5g/L 2.73 g 2.75 i 81.50 f 81.63 d T5: Potaqueen at 3g/L 2.86 e 2.93 f 86.11 e 86.74 c T6: Citric at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L 2.73 g 2.80 h 81.26 f 81.65 d T7: Citric at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 2.97 d 2.99 e 86.51 e 86.67 c T8: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L 2.84 f 2.89 g 81.51 f 81.88 d T9: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 2.98 d 3.02 d 87.9 d 88.18 c T10 : Potaqueen at 3g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L 3.07 c 3.12 c 90.78 c 91.11 b T11 : Citric at 1g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L + Potaqueen at 3g/L 3.16 b 3.22 b 92.55 b 94.59 a T12 :Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 3.25 a 3.33 a 94.45 a 95.81 a Values within each column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level

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3.4.2 Fruit juice TSS (Total soluble solids %) 2106 experimental seasons, respectively. Moreover, T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 Table 5 display obviously that all investigated g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) ranked statistically treatments increase the fruit juice TSS (%) of second as the influenced on TSS/acid ratio was Washington navel orange cultivar. During both concerned during both experimental seasons, 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons. However, the reverse was true with TSS/acid ratio of water the highest fruit juice TSS (%) was markedly sprayed trees (control) whish induced coupled with T 12 (Ascorbic acid at 1g/L+ Folifert significantly the lowest fruits in their TSS/acid at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L), T 11 (Citric acid at ratio during 2015 and 2016 experimental 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L) seasons. In addition, other investigated and whereas the richest TSS (%) i.e., treatments were in-between the aforesaid 12.05,12.01,12.00 and 11.97% were resulted extremes i.e., T 12 (superior) during both from T 12 and T11duyring 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons. experimental seasons, respectively. Moreover, T10 (Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) 3.4.5 Fruit juice total sugars percentage (%) ranked statistically second as the influence on fruit juice TSS % was concerned. The reverse Data obtained during both experimental seasons was true with the fruit juice TSS% of water as shown from Table (6) display clearly that all sprayed trees (control) which induced investigated treatments increase fruit juice total significantly the poorest fruits in their TSS % sugars value than control (T 1) during both content during experimental seasons of study. In experimental seasons. However, the increase addition, other investigated treatments were in- varied from one treatment to another, whereas, between the abovementioned two extremes. the greatest increase was statistically in Such trend was true during 2015 and 2016 concomitant to T 12 (Ascorbic acid at 1g/L+ experimental seasons. Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L). Moreover, T 11 (Citric acid at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 3.4.3 Fruit juice acidity percentage (%) g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) ranked statistically second rank and exhibited fruit juice total sugars With regard to the fruit juice acidity strength of estimated value of (8.53 and 8.51) % during both Washington navel orange trees as influenced by 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons, the differential fertilizers treatments, data respectively. Descending followed by T 10 (Folifert obtained during both 2015 and 2016 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen 3 g/L), T 9 (Ascorbic acid experimental seasons are presented in Table 5. 1g/L+ Potaqueen 3 g/L) and T 8 (Ascorbic acid It is quite clear that an opposite trend to that 1g/L+ Folifert 1.5 g/L). Hence, such four effective previously found with TSS % was obviously treatments i.e., T 7, T 5, T 6, and T 4 not only detected in this respect. Hence, fruit juice acidity exceeded control but also surpassed the two percentage was increased significantly by T 1 other treatments i.e., T 2 and T 3 during 2015 and (control) during both 2015 and 2016 2016 experimental seasons. experimental season. The reverse was true with T12 (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ 3.4.6 Fruit juice ascorbic acid (V.C.) content Potaqueen at 3 g/L) and T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) which Data obtained during both 2015 and 2016 induced significantly the poorest fruits in their experimental seasons shown from Table 6 total acidity percentage during both experimental displayed that all investigated compounds seasons. treatments increased fruit juice vitamin C content over control. The increase was significantly 3.4.4 Fruit juice total soluble solids/Total during both experimental seasons . However, T 12 acidity ratio (Ascorbic acid at 1 g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) was statistically the superior It is quite clear as shown from tabulated data in and showed the greatest juice (VC) content i.e., Table 5 that TSS/acid ratio was slightly 63.69 and 66.14 VC /100 ml fruit juice during influenced by the differential investigated 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons, treatments. However, the highest TSS/acid ratio respectively. Moreover, T 11 (Citric acid at 1 g/L+ was marked coupled with T 12 (Ascorbic acid at 1 Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L) ranged g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L+ Potaqueen at 3 g/L), statistically second rank after the aforesaid whereas, the richest TSS/acid ratio i.e., 13.70 superior treatment during both experimental and 13.75 was resulted by T 12 during 2015 and seasons. In addition, other investigated

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treatments were in-between the aforesaid "Le-Cont" pears, [47] on “Picaul” olives, [32] on extremes i.e., T 12 the superior and (T 1) the four mango cultivars namely Zebda, Awase, inferior during both 2015 and 2016 experimental Alphonso and Taimour, [20] on "Anna" apples, seasons. [48] and [49] on “Florda Prince” and "Swelling" peaches, respectively, [50] on ‘Salimi’ The present results concerning the effects of pomegranates, [51] on Canino apricots. They foliar sprays with citric and ascorbic acid on fruit reported that foliar sprays with antioxidant quality traits of Washington navel orange go induced higher positive effect on fruit quality partially in line with that pointed out by several parameters of the previously mentioned fruit crop investigators regarding the beneficial effect of species.The obtained results regarding the of investigated treatment on increasing fruit quality foliar sprays with the mixture of micronutrients on measurements by [42,43],30] and [44] some fruit quality parameters of Washington navel grapevine cultivars, [45] on "Sewy" dates, [31] orange trees are in agreement with the findings suggested on "Kelsey" plums, [5] and [46] on of [33,24,25] on Washington navel

Table 5. Effect of some antioxidants, Folifert and Potaqueen on fruit juice T.S.S (%), total acidity and TSS/Acid ratio of Washington navel orange trees during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons

Parameters Fruit juice T.S.S Total acidity (%) TSS/Acid ratio (%) Treatments Seasons 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd T1: Control (Water spray) 9.97 j 10.00k 1.074 a 1.051 a 9.29 j 9.52 j T2: Citric acid at 1g/L 10.11 i 10.10j 0.999 b 0.994 b 10.13 i 10.16 i T3: Ascorbic acid at 1g/L 10.23 h 10.24i 0.986 bc 0.982 b 10.37 h 10.42 h T4: Folifert at 1.5g/L 10.62 g 10.66h 0.978 cd 0.965 c 10.86 g 11.05 g T5: Potaqueen at 3g/L 11.24 d 11.21e 0.963 de 0.955 cd 11.68 e 11.74 e T6: Citric at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L 10.75 f 10.74g 0.974 cd 0.962 cd 11.03 fg 11.17 fg T7: Citric at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 11.26 d 11.28d 0.954 ef 0.948 d 11.80 e 11.90 e T8: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L 10.84 e 10.92f 0.969 de 0.965 c 11.14 f 11.31 e T9: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 11.40 c 11.46c 0.940 f 0.930 e 12.13 d 12.32 d T10 : Potaqueen at 3g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L 11.79 b 11.82b 0.905 g 0.897 f 13.03 c 13.18 c T11 : Citric at 1g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L + 11.97 a 12.00a 0.890 gh 0.886 fg 13.45 b 13.55 b Potaqueen at 3g/L T12 :Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ 12.01 a 12.05a 0.877 h 0.877 g 13.70 a 13.75 a Potaqueen at 3g/L Values within each column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level

Table 6. Effect of some antioxidants, Folifert and Potaqueen on total sugars and vitamin C of Washington navel orange trees during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons

Parameters Total sugars (%) Vitamin C (mg/100ml) Treatments Seasons 1st 2nd 1st 2nd T1: Control (Water spray) 7.51 l 7.53 k 51.00 j 51.59 j T2: Citric acid at 1g/L 7.60 k 7.63 j 51.29 ij 52.53 i T3: Ascorbic acid at 1g/L 7.75 j 7.75 i 51.6 hi 53.44 fg T4: Folifert at 1.5g/L 7.94 i 7.99 h 52.04 g 53.16 gh T5: Potaqueen at 3g/L 8.23 f 8.26 f 52.085 f 54.13 e T6: Citric at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5 g/L 7.97 h 8.00 h 51.75 gh 52.74 hi T7: Citric at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 8.25 e 8.28 e 53.42 e 54.36 e T8: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L 8.05 g 8.04 g 52.97 f 53.84 ef T9: Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Potaqueen at 3g/L 8.34 d 8.36 d 55.25 d 57.24 d T10 : Potaqueen at 3g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L 8.44 c 8.46 c 60.36 c 63.31 c T11 : Citric at 1g/L + Folifert at 1.5g/L + Potaqueen at 3g/L 8.51 b 8.53 b 61.71 b 65.22 b T12 :Ascorbic at 1g/L+ Folifert at 1.5g/L+ Potaqueen at 8.53 a 8.59 a 63.69 a 66.14 a 3g/L Values within each column followed by the same letter/s are not significantly different at 5% level

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orange trees, [52-55] on different citrus species 3. El-Sayed MA, Ahmed MA, Ali AH. and varieties. They mentioned that foliar sprays Response of Flame seedless grapevine to with Fe, Mn and Zn alone or in combinations application of ascorbic acid. The2 nd Conf. enhanced the studied fruit quality traits Sci. Assuit, Egypt. 2000;317-340. of the aforementioned citrus fruit species and 4. Smirnoff N. The function and metabolism varieties. of ascorbic acid. Plant. Ann. Bot. 1996; 87:661-669. The prospective effects of potassium on fruit 5. Mansour AEM, Ahmed FF, Shaaban EA, quality may be attributed to it’s an important role Amera A. Fouad. The beneficial of using in plant physiological activities including the citric acid with some nutrients for improving activation of enzymes and plant protein productivity of le-Conte pear trees. J. synthesis, photosynthesis and osmotic Agric. and Bio. Sci. 2008;4(3):245-250. adjustment. In plants with potassium deficiency, 6. Hassan HAS, Sarrwy SMA, Mostafa EAM. soluble nitrogen compounds and sugars will be Effect of foliar spraying with liquid organic accumulated and also starch will be reduced fertilizer, some micronutrients, and [56]. Also, [57] mentioned that potassium is gibberellins on leaf mineral content, fruit necessary for basic physiological functions, such set, yield, and fruit quality of “Hollywood” as the formation of sugars and starch, the plum trees. Agric. Biol. J. N. Am. 2010; synthesis of proteins, cell division and growth, 1(4):638-643. fruit formation and could improve fruit size, flavor 7. Shahin MFM, Fawzi MIF, kandil EA. and color. Influence of foliar application of some nutrient (Fertifol Misr) and gibberellic acid The obtained results concerning the positive on fruit set, yield, fruit quality and leaf effect of foliar sprays with mixture of N, P and K composition of “Anna” apple trees grown in on some fruit quality parameters of Washington sandy soil. Journal of American Science. navel orange trees go in line with the findings of 2010;6(12):202-208. [26], [27] and [23]. They mentioned that spraying 8. Abbasi Y, Bakhshi D, Forghani A, Sabouri orange trees with N, P and K alone or in A, Porghauomy M. Effect of macro and combinations improving most fruit quality micronutrients sprays on fruit quality and parameters. quantity of 'Zard' and 'Rowghani' olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars in Northern 4. CONCLUSION Iran. American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci. 2012;12(12):1548-1552. It can be recommended from the results of this 9. Hasani M, Zamani Z, Savaghebi G, Fatahi study that T 11 which is the mixture of ascorbic R. Effects of zinc and manganese as foliar acid, folifert and potaqueen at a certain spray on pomegranate yield, fruit quality percentage, are able to increases the productivity and leaf minerals Journal of Soil Science and fruit quality of Washington Navel Orange and Plant Nutrition. 2012;12(3):471-480. Tree (Ascorbic acid at 1g/L +Folifert at 1.5g/L + 10. Amjad A, Perveen S, Noor S, Shah M, Potaqueen at 3 g/L). So above formed mixture Zhang Z, Wahid F, Shah M, Bibi S, Majid can be used for further cultivation of Washington A. Effect of foliar application of Navel orange tree. micronutrients on fruit quality of peach. American Journal of Plant Sciences. COMPETING INTERESTS 2014;5:1258-1264. 11. Aisha I, Ashraf MY, Hussain M, Ashraf M, Authors have declared that no competing Ahmed R, Kamal A. Effect of interests exist. micronutrients (zn, cu and b) on photosynthetic and fruit yield attributes of REFERENCES citrus reticulata blanco var. Kinnow. Pak. J. Bot. 2015;47(4):1241-1247. 1. FAO statistics. Food and Agriculture 12. Darwesh RSS, Madbolly EA, Abd-El Organization; 2015. Hameed K. Influence spraying fruit set and Available:www.FAO.org soil application on the quality of date palm 2. Arrigoni O, De Tullio MC. Ascorbic acid: fruits ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cv. Sewi. Much more than just an antioxidant. International Journal of Chemical, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2002; Environmental & Biological Sciences 1569:1–9. (IJCEBS). 2015;3(2):191-197.

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