effect of biofertilizer on vegetative growth, yield and ...

Hortscience Journal of Suez Canal University, 2013

Effect of combination between Bio and chemical fertilization on vegetative growth, yield and quality of Valencia orange fruits El-Khawaga, A. S * and M.F. Maklad ** *Hort. Dept. Fac. of Agric Qena. South Valley, Univ., Egypt **Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain shams University. Cairo, Egypt ABSTRACT: Yield and quality of fruits of Valencia orange are influenced by using an N fertilization, the excessive use of N fertilizer can accumulate harmful nitrate in fruit and soil. During the two successive seasons 2011 and 2012 this study was carried out on 12 years old Valencia orange trees budded on sour orange cultivated in the experimental farm of faculty of Agricultural south valley Univ., with clay Loam soil texture, at Qena Governorate. to evaluate the behavior of three kind of biofertilizers namely Azotobacter choococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus circulans, adding 140 or 180 units of nitrogen combined with 120 units of potassium and their effects on vegetative growth, leaf mineral content, yield and fruit quality. The obtained results showed that, the growth parameters increased significantly when added Bacillus circulans with 180 units of nitrogen than adding the same biofertilizer with 140 units of nitrogen. Whereas, adding 140 units of nitrogen/feddan without biofertilizer gave a lower effect for the same traits. The increment of yield / trees was about 18.32 % and 17.97 % with Bacillus circulans, 9.08 % and 8.54 % with Bacillus megaterium while the lowest values observed in Azotobacter which were 6.31 % and 6.60 % during the first and second seasons with 180 units of nitrogen. Chemical composition of fruit juice such as T.S.S, Acidity, T.S.S, Acid ratio and sugar were increased under the lower level of nitrogen, except V.C. and Total carotenoids. Hence, it can be concluded that using Bacillus circulans under the highest and the lower levels of nitrogen combined with 120 units of potassium was very effective than the other kind of biofertilizers. Keywords: Valencia orange – biofertilizers - Total carotenoids - Bacillus circulans - Bacillus megaterium. INTRODUCTION Citrus is considered one of fruit crop cultivation in Egypt, during the last few years the area of citrus cultivated was increased rapidly reached about 462800 feddan with a total production about 4522953 tons. Yet, orange was about 314000 feddan and produced 2.4 million tons. While, Valencia orange reached about 112000 feddan with an annual production 434000 tons in 2010 (statistics' of 2011, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt). Such extension in area encourages establishing more studies towards finding out an appropriate integrated N, P, and K, management for improving the production and fruit quality (Wardowshi, et al., 1986). Valencia was the most important sweet orange in Egypt. Because, its fruit is medium size with excellent fruit quality usually matures from February to October (Davis and Albirgo, 1998). So, that it is the most suitable cultivar for exportation and industry. Fertilizer consumption per cultivated area in Egypt is 10 times more than the average amount of whole world for the all nutrance (FAO, 1994). Using enormous amounts of mineral fertilizers can accumulate harmful nitrate in food causing hazardous effects (Waksman, 1952). Under this condition, the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer rarely exceeds 50 %. Losses of nutrients by leaching, volatilization, denitrification as well as mobility of movement elements (Miller, et al., 1990). Furthermore, mostly of P and K remained inert and only less than of 10 % of soil content. (Kucey, et al., 1989). Moreover the amount of potassium in the Egyptian soils has declined dramatically, after the construction of the High Dam, since 1964. In most cases, the exportation of citrus was mainly affected by different factors such as accumulative harmful of nitrate or nitrite, phosphates, sulphate and other chemical in fruit tissue which as a result of excessive use of chemical fertilization (Montasser, et al., 2003). Thus, using biofertilizers in the farm decreasing of hazardous effects of chemical fertilizer resulting, these were the best way for reaching to a good product with high quality, (Krauss, 2000), in banana and grape fruits (Gomaa, 1995) and guava (El-Khawaga, 2007). Several investigators were undertaken to used chemical fertilizers as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with microbial isolates either to fix atmospheric nitrogen or convert unavailable phosphorus and potassium in the soil to available form (Kucey, et al., 1989; El-Haddad et al., 1993;Wange and Patil, 1994 and Sherif, 1997). Thus, application of biofertilization was considered an important tool to enhance the yield and fruit quality of citrus through the increasing emphasis on maintain of soil health, minimize environmental pollution and cut down on the use of chemical fertilization. (El-Khawaga, 2007). So, it safe for human, animal and environmental. (Ahmed, et al., 1997). Consequently the use of microorganisms were favorable in increasing N fixation, solubilize phosphate and potassium, the availability and uptake of nutrients as well as stimulation of natural hormones biosynthesis and the production of antibiotics.( Kucey, et al., 1989; Subba-Rao, et al.,1993; El-Haddad, et al., 1993; Subba-Rao, 1984; Young, 1994 and Sherif, 1997). Resulting enhance leaf area, yield and fruit quality in Washington Navel orange (Mansour and Shaaban, 2007) as well as, gave a significant improvement of pomegranate fruits, also enhancing the rhizosphere microbial activity and concentration of various nutrients. (Aseri, et al., 2008). Similar finding in banana plants was observed by Ashokan, et al., (2000). In general, growth, nutritional status of trees, yield and fruit quality of citrus was greatly improved by the application of organic and biofertilizers (Sharawy, 2005) and Furthermore, they improve soil texture, pH and other properties of soil such as, having about 75% moisture soil. The various positive and benefits of applying biofertilizers were attributed to its enhances plant growth during promoting substances such as IAA, amino acids, vitamins etc. Volume 1:269 - 279

270

El-Khawaga and Maklad 2013

(Mukhopadhyay, 2006). The present investigation was initiated to elucidate the beneficial effect of using Azotobacter, B. megaterium and Bacillus circulanse as biofertilizers to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers, enhances vegetative growth and fruit quality of Valencia orange. This application reduced the residual content of nitrate and other chemical in the fruit with a good quality satisfied for the requirement standards of European market. Then, it can be exported with high price reflected in high income for the producers. Since, this cultivar is one of the most important for exportation and industry. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted during the seasons of 2011 and 2012 on 60 Valencia orange trees of 12 years old budded on sour orange. The trees grown in clay Loam soil under surface irrigation at the experimental farm of south valley Univ. fac. of Agricultural, planted at 5 x 5 m apart with about 168 trees / feddan. Samples of soil were taken from different sites of the experimental regions to determine mechanical and chemical properties of the soil according to Chapman and Pratt (1961) as shown in Table (1): Table 1: Mechanical and chemical analysis of the soil: Characters Values Sand % 35.1 Silt % 33.5 Clay % 31.4 Texture clay Loam pH ( 1:2.5 extract) 8.11 E.C. ( mmhos/ 1cm / 25oC)( 1: 2.5 extract) 0.94 Total CaCO3 % 1.23 Total N % 0.05 Available P ( ppm, Olsen) 5.21 Available K ( ppm, ammonium acetate) 4.00 Nitrogen fertilizer was used in form of ammonium nitrate (33 % N) since, it added at three dates, at March, the first of June and at the end of August. Whereas, potassium was added in form of potassium sulphate (48 % K) at two dates, at the first of March and at the end of August with nitrogen fertilization. In the end of December all trees under investigation received Compost-agriculture waste (50 kg/tree) added to the soil. Except, these treatments the same agricultural care usually done in the orchard. Biofertilizer, used one in culture contain N-fixing bacteria (Azotobacter choococcum) with the phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) and the other potassium solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus circulans) for increasing potassium up taken in the soil. (The suspensions contains 5 x 107 cfu/ gm) of each bacteria). All biofertilizer are kindly supplied from the Soil, Water and Environment Research Inst., ARC., then mixed in equal portion of suitable solids carrier (vermiculite and peat moss at 2:1 ratio) and suspended in suitable quantity of water and then added in equal portions to four holes around each of the tested trees at 12.5 gm for each holes (50 gm/tree) at beginning of March. Table 2: The applied Treatment (Units/feddan) treatments: No. 180 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium T1 180 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium + Azotobacter choococcum T2 180 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium + B. megaterium T3 180 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium + B. circulans T4 140 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium T5 140 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium + Azotobacter choococcum T6 140 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium + B. megaterium T7 140 Nitrogen + 120 Potassium + B. circulans T8 During the growing seasons, four branches distributed around each tree were labeled at the end of February to determined shoot length, number of leaves and leaf area (cm2). Furthermore, sample of mature leaves for the 4 and 5 basal leaves from the non bearing shoots were taken at the first week of September to determine nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents. Nitrogen was determined by using micro-Keldahl methods as described by (Pregl, 1945), phosphorus content according to (Jackson, 1973) and potassium by using Flam photometer according to (Brown and Lilleland, 1946). The harvest time was adjusted when the fruits yellow color reached about 50 % and total soluble solids/acid ratio reached about 10 – 11 % according to (Hikal, 2000). Samples of 20 fruits from each replicate for each treatment were collected randomly and transported to the laboratory of Pomology Dept. Fac. of Agriculture, South Valley University to determined yield, physical and chemical properties. At harvest, number of fruits per tree was counted and the average fruit weight was determined to estimate both average yields per tree (kg) and per feddan (ton). I. Physical characteristics : 1-Average of fruit weight (g): Ten fruits from each replicate were weighed and the average was estimated (g).

Effect of combination between Bio and chemical fertilization on vegetative growth, yield and quality of Valencia orange fruits

271

2-Average of fruit juice: The fruit juice of 10 fruits was extracted by means of squeezer, then strained juice was weighted and its percentage was estimated (ml). II. Chemical properties 1- Vitamin C, Total soluble solids content (T.S.S) and Total titratable acidity were measured according to (A.O.A.C. 1990), and the TSS / acid ratio was expressed by dividing T.S.S on total acidity in fruit juice. 2- Total carotenoids: Sample of 0.5 g of peel was homogenized twice with 85 % acetone 10 ml. The absorbance of extracted was measured at 440 nm for total carotene using Carl-Zesiss spectro colorimeter according to (Wettstein, 1957). 1- Total, reducing and non-reducing sugar %, was determined by using lane and anyone volumetric method (Rangana, 1977). Statistical analysis: All the obtained data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using new L.S.D at 5 % for comparing between different treatment means (Mead et al., 1993). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION These results presented the effect of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization each alone or with some biofertilizer on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees. Data in Table (3) showed the effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilization each alone or with biofertilizers on shoot length (cm), No. of leaves/shoot and leaf area (cm2). From this table it is clear that nitrogen fertilization at 180 units with potassium at 120 units with B. circulans (T4) gave the highest significantly in shoot length (cm) values ( 43.51 and45.62) than those obtained from other treatments with the same level of potassium. Moreover, adding both B. megaterium (T3) and Azotobacter (T2) with the higher level of nitrogen (180 units/feddan) recorded the moderate values (40.78 and43.54) and (39.88and42.01) without any significantly differences on shoot length (cm) with B. megaterium and Azotobacter during the first and second seasons, respectively, followed by (T1) and (T8) in descending order they recorded (37.22 and38.94) and (35.44 and36.18) in first and second seasons. Meanwhile adding the lower level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) with Azotobacter (T 6) and Bacillus (T7) gave shorter shoot length in descending order (33.68and34.08) and (32.73and33.24) during the two seasons. The lowest values noticed in (T 5) lower level of nitrogen (140 units) with potassium at 120 units it registered (30.16 and31.0) during the first and second studies seasons. Similarly, results was found by Zayan et al., (1989) when working on Valencia and Washington navel oranges and found that the shoot length and leaf area were significantly increased by increasing nitrogen level up to 1200 g/tree. Furthermore, Nijjar, (1985) stated that nitrogen fertilization is the major element for increasing vegetative growth and new shoots which bearing fruits in the second year. So, nitrogen is being a part of proteins and amino acids. On the other hand, the positive effect of some Microbial Bio-Fertilization on the quality and quantity of Washington navel orange may be due to synthesis of phytohormones (Xie et al., 1996),or reduction of membrane potentials of the roots (Bashan and Levanony, 1991), synthesis of some enzymes that modulate the level of plant hormones (Glick et al., 1998) and solubilizing of inorganic phosphate (Krasilnikove, 1961) or increasing availability of water and minerals (Ahmed and El-Dawwey, 1992). Our results are in agreement with those obtained by Subba-Rao et al., (1993); Young (1994); Wange and Patil, (1994); Gomaa, (1995); Ashokan et al., (2000); Montasser et al., (2003); Farag, (2006) ) and Aseri et al., (2008). Table 3: Effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilization alone or with some biofertilizer on the average shoot length (cm), No. of leaves and leaf area (cm2) of Valencia orange trees. Shoot length (cm) No. of leaves Leaf area (cm2) N Treatments units/fed. o 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 T1 180 N + 120 K 37.22 38.94 18.72 20.78 46.60 48.20 T2 180 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 39.88 42.01 20.04 22.26 48.65 50.41 T3 180 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 40.78 43.54 21.28 22.61 50.50 51.06 T4 180 N + 120 K + B. circulans 43.51 45.62 23.86 27.94 53.72 56.69 T5 140 N + 120 K 30.16 31.00 15.12 16.34 39.10 41.23 T6 140 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 33.68 34.08 16.68 17.92 42.41 43.67 T 7 140 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 32.73 33.24 16.25 17.83 41.60 43.51 T8 140 N + 120 K + B. circulans 35.44 36.18 17.42 19.40 44.50 45.97 1.73 2.04 1.24 1.36 1.93 2.19 L.S.D at 5 % In regard to the effect on number of leaves/shoot, Table (3) mentioned that adding B. circulans (T4) to the trees which fertilized with 180 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium / feddan gave higher number and significant of leaves/shoot (23.86 and 27.94) followed by (T 3) and (T2) adding B. megaterium and Azotobacter for the trees which fertilized with 180 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium / feddan and no significant between them were observed in this respect (21.28and22.61) and (20.04 and 22.26) during the first and second seasons, respectively. The intermediate values were noticed when Valencia trees were fertilized by using 180 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium alone (T1) which gave a satisfactory number of leaves /shoot (18.72and 20.78) during the two seasons .As noted from the previous results the reduction in number of leaves / shoot was observed at 140 units of nitrogen with the

272


same level of potassium with B. circulans (T8) (17.42 and19.4) in the both seasons. The least values with insignificant differences were noticed in descending order on (T6) and (T7) and they recorded (16.68 and17.92) and (16.25 and17.83) in the first and second seasons, respectively. The lowest value and significant was noticed in this respect, when trees fertilized with140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium/feddan alone (T5), the result recorded (15.12 and16.34) in the first and second seasons. Concerning the effect on leaf area, data in Table (3) reveal that similar trend to those obtained from shoot length and number of leaves/shoot was observed. Since, adding B. circulans (T4) to the trees when fertilized with 180 units of nitrogen and 120 of potassium/feddan showed a higher significantly leaf area than the other level of nitrogen alone or with biofertilizer (53.72 and56.69) in both studied seasons. In this respect a higher leaf area but less than (T4) was found by using 180 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium/feddan with adding biofertilizer such as B. megaterium (T3) or Azotobacter (T2), they registried (50.5 and51.06) and (48.65 and50.41) without any significant between them, these results were noticed in (T3) and (T2) during the first and second seasons, respectively. The medium enhanced in leaf area (cm2) was noticed in (T1) which recorded (46.60 and48.20) through the two studied seasons, the reduction enhancement in leaf area (cm2) in descending order was noticed with adding 140 units of nitrogen with the same level of potassium with B. circulans (T8) (44.50 and45.97), followed by (T 6) and (T7), which recorded (42.41 and 43.67) and (41.6 and43.51) during the first and second seasons, respectively. Meanwhile (T 5) was the lowest treatment in this respect. On the contrary El-Haddad et al., (1993) noticed that Azotobacter as a biofertilizer increased nitrogen fixation and promoting some growth substances, organic acid and enhanced nutrient uptake. Furthermore, Abdo, (2008) found that increasing N-rate resulted in an obvious increase in leaf area surface associated with higher N-rate compared with the lower one. On the other hand, these results are in agreement with those obtaind by Subba-Rao, (1984); Krauss, (2000); Montasser et al., (2003); Farag, (2006) ) and Aseri et al., (2008). Data from Table (4) indicated that nitrogen content in the leaf increased with increasing the amount of nitrogen. In this respect, when fertilized with 180 units of nitrogen / feddan with Azotobacter (T 2) gave significant higher nitrogen content in the leaves of Valencia. Orange (2.73 and2.94) during the first and second seasons whereas, B. circulans and B. megaterium with 180 units of nitrogen increased nitrogen content of leaves but less than Azotobacter which rigestrated (2.69 and2.78) and (2.57 and2.66) in (T4) and (T3) during both seasons. At the same time fertilization by 180 units/feddan with 120 potassium alone (T 1) decreased significantly nitrogen content in the leaves than some other biofertilization treatments, the values were (2.57 and2.83) for the first and second seasons, respectively. This may be due The availability and uptake of inorganic nutrients by plants influenced by microorganisms that are involved in the uptake of essential plant nutrients (Soorianathasundaram, et al., 2000). Otherwise, using 140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium (T5) gave the lowest content of nitrogen in the leaf during the two studied Table 4: Effect of nitrogen, potassium alone or with some biofertilizer on NPK content in the leaves of Valencia orange trees. Nitrogen % Phosphorus % Potassium % No Treatments units/fed. 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2.57 2.83 0.203 0.201 1.37 1.40 T1 180 N + 120 K 2.73 2.94 0.207 0.211 1.72 1. 76 T2 180 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 2.57 2.66 0.312 0.314 1.69 1.72 T3 180 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 2.69 2.78 0.206 0.208 1.83 1.88 T4 180 N + 120 K + B. circulans 2.28 2.30 0.194 0.196 1.35 1.38 T5 140 N + 120 K 2.52 2.68 0.204 0.208 1.67 1.70 T6 140 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 2.34 2.44 0.211 0.212 1.64 1.68 T 7 140 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 2.38 2.48 0.198 0.200 1.78 1.82 T8 140 N + 120 K + B. circulans 0.17 0.26 0.02 0.03 0.21 0.18 L.S.D at 5 % seasons. These data are in harmony which those obtained by Mahmoud and Mahmoud (1999) which presented that, Azotobacter has capability to fix atmosphere nitrogen and convert it to inorganic from mineralization of nitrogen. Regarding of Phosphorus content the data in the same table reveal that B. megaterium (PSB) (T3) was very effective and of significant effect in amount of Phosphorus in leaf than other treatment. At the same time B. circulans (T4) and Azotobacter (T2) recorded the intermediate values in this respect (0.206 and 0.208) and (0.207and 0.211). On the other hand, Phosphorus content in leaf decreased when trees fertilized with 140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium and gave a lower content of Phosphorus content in leaf (T5).The increment of Phosphorus content in leaf noticed with B. megaterium (T7) followed by Azotobacter (T 6) and B. circulans (T8) in both studied seasons, respectively. From Table (4) it is clear that using B. circulan (KSB) with 180 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium (T4) gave the highest significant content of potassium in the leaves of Valencia orange during both seasons(1.83and 1.88).At the same time adding Azotobacter (T2) and B. megaterium (PSB) (T3) recorded the moderate values in this respect .Also from the results the low levels of nitrogen with biofertilizer (B. circulans) (T8) followed by Azotobactr (T 6) and B. megaterium (T7) significantly increased in the values of potassium content in the leaves of Valencia orange except those with (B. circulans) (T8) and Azotobactr (T6). These finding could be related to the important role of microorganism such as nitrogen fixing bacteria, (NFB) Azotobacter or phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Bacillus megaterium and potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) B. circulans, on improving the microbiological activity in the rhizosphere (Kohler et al., 2007) or contributed and solubilize essential minerals, making scarce nutrients more available to the plant. Moreover, production of growth promoting substances or organic acids, that could lead to a stimulate several physiological changes giving a better growth and to the plant more tolerance to stresses. (Kucey et al., 1989; El-Haddad et al., 1993 and Sherif, 1997).These results are in agreement with those obtained by Jones et al., (1991) which


273

mentioned that potassium fertilization increased its content in leaves. Likewise, Subba-Rao. (1984); Krauss, (2000); Montasser et al., (2003); Farag, (2006) ) and Aseri, et al., (2008). In addition Abd El-Moumen, (1994) noted that ,using the biofertilizer namely phosphorene at 0.55 to 2.2 g/tree improved the leaf area and its P content in Balady mandarin. Data from Table (5) showed that when using 180 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium with B. circulans (T4) gave a significant and higher number of fruits than the other treatments, except (T3) which gave 340 and 351 fruits/tree during the first and second seasons, respectively. Whereas, B. megaterium and Azotobacter with 180 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium produced the intermediate values without any significant differences (328 and 339) and (316 and329) in (T 3) and (T2) during the first and second seasons, respectively. However, the number of fruits in (T1) was less than in the treatments of (T3) and (T2), it recorded (309 and 320) in both studied seasons without any significant differences among them. The lower number of fruits was noticed when use 140 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium alone (T 5) or with Azotobacter (T 6), B. megaterium (T7) and B. circulans (T8) in assinding order increased the number of fruits/tree. Data also reveal that average fruit weight, showed that, the highest value of fruit weight (241.4 and 236.8 g) was recorded in (T4) treatment when trees fertilized with a higher level of nitrogen (180 units) and potassium (120 units) with B. circulans followed by (T2) and (T3) without any significant differences among them. Meanwhile a lower weight of fruits resulting with using a lower level of nitrogen (140 units) under the same level of potassium (120 units) alone (T 5) or with B. circulans (T8) Azotobacter (T6) and B. megaterium (T7) in ascending order of fruit weight. Also, in Table (5) it clear from the obtained data that average yield/tree of Valencia orange trees affected significantly by using biofertilization. The best treatments was (T4) when trees received 180 units of nitrogen with adding B. circulans under 120 units of potassium (82.08 and83.2) Kg/tree in both seasons.The increasing was about 18.32% and 17.97% in the first and second year respectively, than using the recommended treatment gave (T1). Also, the increment of B. megaterium treatment (T3) was about 9.08% and 8.54% in the first and second year, respectively, than (T1).On the other hand, the less increment and significant in yield/tree noticed with higher level of nitrogen with adding Azotobacter under level of 120 units of potassium (T 2) were ( 6.31 % and 6.6%) in both seasons, than the recommended treatment gave (T1).Chemical fertilization i.e., by using 180 units of nitrogen with adding 120 units of potassium(T1) recorded the lowest value of yield/tree (69.37 and 70.46) Kg/tree in both seasons. The promoting effects of B. circulans could due to its ability to catabolize Acc and lowering ethylene levels, resulting in enhancing root growth and development Table 5: Effect of nitrogen, potassium alone or with some biofertilizer on No. of fruit/tree, fruit weight (g) and yield/tree (kg) of Valencia orange trees. Av. No. of Av. Fruit weight Yield/tree (kg) fruit/tree (g) No Treatments units/fed. 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 180 N + 120 K 309 320 224.5 220.2 69.37 70.46 T1 180 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 316 329 233.4 228.4 73.75 75.14 T2 180 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 328 339 230.7 225.6 75.67 76.48 T3 180 N + 120 K + B. circulans 340 351 241.4 236.8 82.08 83.12 T4 140 N + 120 K 286 312 203.0 200.4 58.06 62.52 T5 140 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 294 310 210.3 207.5 61.83 64.33 T6 140 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 301 318 206.5 202.8 61.04 64.50 T7 140 N + 120 K + B. circulans 315 324 215.4 212.5 66.94 68.85 T8 19.66 21.36 13.24 12.83 1.45 1.32 L.S.D at 5 % (Ghosh, et al., 2003) and (Sheng, 2005) who mentioned that B. circulans are able to solubilize unavailable forms of K-bearing minerals. Furthermore, it markedly improved Phosphorus and Potassium nutritional status in soil and in plant (Sugumaran and Janarthanam, 2007). Potassium plays important role in many biochemical and physiological reaction such as enzyme activation, photosynthesis, stomata activity and osmoregulation, carbohydrate and sugar transport, water and nutrient transport ,protein and starch synthesis, improving carbohydrate translocation and storage (Havlin, et al.,1999) resulting in increased yield, weight sizes and improved N P K accumulation of underground storing materials (Bhuyan, et al.,1988). In view of the current data when adding 140 units of nitrogen + 120 units of potassium presented a lower yield/tree, compared to using 180 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium. In spite of B. circulans with the 140 units of nitrogen + 120 units of potassium (T 8) gained the satisfactory and significant yield/tree (66.94 and 68.85) Kg /tree during the first and second seasons. No significant differences were noticed between Azotobacter (T 6) and B. megaterium (T7) in the average of yield per tree. The decreased and lowest values in yield /tree were obtained from (T5) under 140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium. However, meaningless increase was noticed on yield/tree with B. circulans (T8) were recorded 15.29 % and.10.12% in the first and second years respectively than using the recommended does (T5). Also, the increment and significant with B. megaterium treatment (T7) was about 5.13% and 3.60 % in the first and second year, ,respectively, than (T5).On the other hand, the less increment and significant in yield/tree was noticed with lower level of nitrogen and adding Azotobacter under 120 units of potassium (T 6) which were (6.49 % and 3.9%) in both seasons, than the recommended treatment (T5). The noticeable increases in yield/ tree might be due to the dual impacts of B. circulans which substantially stimulated growth and development resulting, increased ability of nutrients absorption, including nitrogen and phosphorus from soil rhizosphere to face developmental requirements. Such finding performances were in agreement with those by Bhuyan, et al., (1988). On the other

274


direction, the satisfactory on yield / tree with B. megaterium (PSB) may be attributed to the beneficial effects of inoculation with this microorganism during the phosphate solubilizing increases available phosphate from rhizosphere which lead to activity of storage and transfer of energy in the plant (ATP and ADP) consequently promoting activation of photosynthesis, respiration, nucleic acid synthesis protein and nutrient transport through plant cells and tissues in addition its promotes root growth and early mature Wood et al., (2009). Such results are in agreement with those reported by Anwar, et al., (1993) who noted that yield of Washington navel orange trees was increased significantly with increasing the level of nitrogen fertilization. Moreover, Khalil, et al.,(1987) reported that nitrogen fertilization in form of ammonium sulphate or urea increased fruit weight, size and juice of Round Jaffa orange fruit. On the other hand, fruit diameter and rind thickness were not significantly affected in both seasons. On Washington navel orange trees (Shamseldin, et al., 2010) observed that Bio-fertilizer inoculation with strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens enhanced fruit weight, fruit volume and fruit length. Data represented in Table (6) show the average juice volume (ml) of Valencia fruits under different level of nitrogen. In this respect, it is clear that, using 180 units of nitrogen with or without adding biofertilization gave a higher and significant values of juice in Valencia orange fruits than using a lower level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) under the same level of potassium (120 units). The improvement in Juice volume (ml) to whole of fruit induces with B. circulans (T4) and were (63.5 and 62.3) followed by Azotobacter (T 2) and B. circulans (T3) in desscending order without any significant differences between them. On the other hand, the increment in the fruit juice volume (ml) were decreased attained in (T1) recorded (60.4 and 57.5) when trees received 180 units of nitrogen with adding 120 units of potassium only. The low volume in the fruit juice during the both seasons of study was observed when trees treated with 140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium. Whoever, B. circulans (T8) enhanced juice volume. Likewise, Hikal (2000) found that potassium application slightly increased fruit juice percentage. These results might be due to the dual impacts of B. circulans which substantially stimulated growth and development. This subsequently, might increased the ability of clumps to taken up and absorb more nutrients, including nitrogen from soil rhizosphere to face developmental requirements. Such finding performances was in agreement with those by Bhuyan, et al.,(1988).In addition (Xie et al., 1996) reported that microbial Bio-Fertilization seemed to be more effectively on the quality and quantity of Navel oranges this may be due to synthesis of phytohormones , or reduction of membrane potentials of the roots (Bashan and Levanony, 1991), synthesis of some enzymes that modulate the level of plant hormones (Glick et al., 1998) and solubilizing of inorganic phosphate (Krasilnikove, 1961). Such results are confirmed by early studies findings of Sherif (1980) on Valencia orange trees, Lavon et al., (1995) on star-Ruby grapefruit and El-Saida (1996) on Washington navel orange, they noted that potassium application increased fruit juice volume. On the other direction, Habeeb et al., (1985) observed that, high nitrogen rate increased average fruit juice volume in Valencia orange. Regarding to the effect on vitamin C content in the juice of Valencia orange fruits, the data in Table (6) mentioned that, no significant differences had obtained by using the two level of nitrogen plus (120 units of potassium) with or without adding biofertilization, except with those of T4 which recorded the highest values and the T1 which gave the lowest value. At the same time the same trend was showed in (T8) and use T5 which gave the minimum value of vitamin C. Table 6: Effect of nitrogen, potassium alone or with some biofertilizer on juice volume, vitamin C and total carotenoids of Valencia orange fruits. Vitamin C ml/L Juice volume (ml) Total carotenoids juice Treatments units/fed. 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 180 N + 120 K 60.4 57.5 59.0 61.1 35.81 36.21 T1 61.2 59.0 59.8 61.7 34.65 35.03 T2 180 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 180 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 61.0 58.8 59.2 61 .4 34.73 35.15 T3 180 N + 120 K + B. circulans 63.5 62.3 61.3 62.5 36.87 37.47 T4 140 N + 120 K 57.6 56.0 58.7 59.2 37.52 38.87 T5 140 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 58.7 57.8 59.5 60.3 36.66 38.01 T6 57.3 56.6 59.3 60.1 36.74 38.03 T 7 140 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 140 N + 120 K + B. circulans 60.5 58.7 60.1 61.2 39.88 40.62 T8 1.76 2.03 1.18 1.22 1.27 1.42 L.S.D at 5 % The decreased of chemical properties (vitamin C content in the juice) could be attributed to that nitrogen fertilizers, increases the concentration of NO3 in plant foods and simultaneously decreases that of ascorbic acid, a known inhibitor for the formation of carcinogenic. (Mozafar, 1993 and Musa and Ogbadoyi, 2012). The above results were in accordance with those obtained by Sherif, (1980) on Valencia orange trees, Babu et al.,(1984) on Lemon trees, Mann and Sandhu, (1988) on kin now mandarin trees and El-Saida, (1996) on Washington navel orange, they noted that the amount of ascorbic acid in the juice was increased by potassium application. On the contrary, Dai et al., (1993) and Yi and Pan (1995) on Satsuma mandarin, observed that ascorbic acid in the juice was decreased by potassium application. Moreover, phosphorus had no significant effect on the vitamin C. Results obtained from Table (6) showed that using a lower level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) gave higher carotenoids content in the skin of Valencia orange than adding the higher level of nitrogen (180 units/feddan). The best results were noticed with B. circulans (T8) when trees received 140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium. Followed by (T5) during the first and second seasons. Meanwhile, using B. megaterium (T7) and Azotobacter (T6) in desscending order without any significant with the lower level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) with 120 units of


275

potassium rigistrated a moderate values in this respect. Whereas, using 180 units of nitrogen and 120 units of potassium with Azotobacter (T2) gave a lower peal carotenoids content than the other treatments. The present results are in harmony with those of (Dhillon et al., 1999) who showed that potassium activates many different enzymes involved in plant growth and improves qualitative aspects of production such as color, taste, consistency and preservation of many fruits. Also, Salem, (2007) added that potassium increases fruit size, improve skin color while, the excess of it, will be reduce skin color. On the other side, nitrogen fertilizer significantly elevated nitrate and-carotene contents (Petterssen, 1978). Table (7) shows TSS, the data pointed that using a higher level of nitrogen (180 units/feddan) with 120 units of potassium gave significant lower values of total soluble solids content in pulp juice. Whereas, the lower level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) recorded the positive effect on other treatments in T.S.S during the both seasons of study. The greatest value was observed in (T 8) which were (11.48 and 12.17) followed by (T7) (11.41 and 11.62) and (T6) (11.32 and 11.38) in this respect during the first and second seasons. On the other side, using a higher level of nitrogen (180 units/feddan) combined with 120 units of potassium alone (T 1) recorded the lowest values in T.S.S% during the both seasons, whoever under this level with B. circulans (T4) increased significantly than (T 1) and (T3) with B. circulans in this respect in both seasons. With respect to the total soluble solids (T.S.S) recorded the intermediate values without significantly effects with B. megaterium (T3) and Azotobacter (T2) in descending order in this respect. These results may be due to the important role of potassium during it promotes the translocation of products of photosynthesis in plant (Amir and Reinhold, 1971). The reduction in respiration rate lades to increase in total soluble solids %. Moreover, potassium deficiency causes a rapid decrease in carbohydrates which occurs as a result of decreased photosynthesis and increased respiration. This decrease in carbohydrates would affect the percentage of total soluble solids negatively (Miller et al., 1990). The results are in harmony with those obtained by Sherif (1980) on Valencia orange trees; (Ghosh (1990) on sweet orange and El-Saida (1996) on Washington navel orange, they noted that the percentage of total soluble solids was increased by potassium application. Moreover, fertilization by organic fertilizers not only enhanced K and Pfruit contents but fruit diameter, thickness and total soluble solids (T.S.S) were also increased Petterssen, (1978). As for total acidity percentage, in Table (7) the data showed that the lowering level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) recorded the positive effect than using 180 units of nitrogen generally. The lowest value in total acidity % was noticed with B. Table 7: Effect of nitrogen, potassium alone or with some biofertilizer on T.S.S, acidity and T.S.S /acid ratio of Valencia orange fruits. TSS % Acidity % TSS/acid ratio No Treatments units/fed. 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 180 N + 120 K 10.62 10.70 0.990 0.992 10.63 10.78 T1 10.71 10.78 0.988 0.990 10.84 10.90 T2 180 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 180 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 10.82 10.88 0.986 0.986 10.97 11.00 T3 180 N + 120 K + B. circulans 10.98 11.00 0.982 0.985 11.18 11.17 T4 140 N + 120 K 11.22 11.31 0.978 0.981 11.47 11.53 T5 140 N + 120 K + Azotobacter 11.32 11.38 0.976 0.977 11.59 11.62 T6 11.41 11.62 0.974 0.975 11.70 11.92 T 7 140 N + 120 K + B. megaterium 140 N + 120 K + B. circulans 11.48 12.17 0.972 .0974 11.80 12.49 T8 0.20 0.31 0.02 0.03 0.31 0.33 L.S.D at 5 % circulans (T8) were (0.972 and 0.974) followed by (T 7) with B. megaterium and (T6) with Azotobacter which were (0.976 and 0.977) under 120 units of potassium. The total acidity % increased with increasing the nitrogen level, so the highest value resulting in (T 1) were (0.990 and 0.992), then it decreased gradually to affective by biofertilization. B. circulans (T4) which more effective than other treatments, B. megaterium (T3) and Azotobacter (T2) lowered total acidity % in pulp juice. These results due to the positive effect of biofertlization on the quality and quantity of Valencia orange may be due synthesis of phytohormones (Xie et al., 1996), increased the microbial activity in the rhizosphere, reduction of membrane potentials of the roots Bashan and Levanony,1991),and synthesis of some enzymes that modulate the level of plant hormones (Glick et al., 1998). The results are in harmony with those obtained by Habeeb et al., (1985) who reported that, high nitrogen rate increased average fruit juice and total acidity of Valencia orange. Also, Ismail et al., (1985) presented similar results with Egyptian orange cultivar and added that total soluble solids showed no significant differences under different nitrogen fertilization levels. In addition, the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer under field conditions and surface irrigation rarely exceeds 50 % Losses of nutrients by leaching volatilization, denitrification as well as mobility of movement elements and other ways were the most important problem (Miller et al., 1990). In general, fertilization with biofertilizer especially B. circulans had improving vegetative growth, yield and chemical properties of fruit. This improvement could be attributed to increase the level of potassium, which activated the translocation of products of photosynthesis in plant. In addition, the reduction in respiration rate leaded to increase in total soluble solids. These results may be due to the important role of potassium during promotes the translocation of products of photosynthesis in plant (Amir and Reinhold, 1971). The reduction in respiration rate leades to increase in total soluble solids %. Moreover, potassium deficiency causes a rapid decrease in carbohydrates which occurs as a result of decreased photosynthesis and increased respiration. This decrease in carbohydrates would affect the percentage of total soluble solids negatively (Miller et al., 1990). The importance of T.S.S /acid ratio due to determination the

276


suitable harvesting date. It could be noted in Table (7) that the lower rate level of nitrogen (140 units/feddan) recorded the positive effect than using 180 units of nitrogen in T.S.S /acid ratio. The highest values was observed with B. circulans (T8) followed by (T7) with B. megaterium and (T6) with Azotobacter under 120 units of potassium during the first and second seasons The increments are due to their effect on reducing the content of total acidity in pulp juice. In this respect, using a higher level of nitrogen (180 units/feddan) with 120 units of potassium alone (T 1) recorded the lowest values in T.S.S /acid ratio during the both seasons, whoever the reduction in these values may be due to their effect on reducing T.S.S in fruit juice than the other treatments. Pulp juice, under 180 N unit with B. circulans (T4) increased significantly than (T 1) in this respect in both seasons. Meanwhile, the T.S.S /acid recorded the intermediate value without significantly effects with B. megaterium (T3) and Azotobacter (T2) in descending order in this respect. Data in Table (8) clearly indicated that the percentage of total reducing and non reducing sugar decreased gradually by increases the amount of nitrogen ,since adding 180 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium gave a lower values of total reducing and non reducing sugar % content in pulp juice. Whereas, the effect 140 units of nitrogen with 120 units of potassium on TSS was unpronounced during the both seasons of the study and it recorded the high value in this respect. The behavior of treatments on the percentage of total reducing and non reducing sugar took the same line. In conclusion, the results of present investigation indicated that no significant differences had obtained by using the two level of nitrogen, However , the best results were observed in (T 8) followed by (T7) and (T6)) in this respect, during the first and second seasons. On the other side, (T1) recorded the lowest values in total reducing and non reducing sugar % during the both seasons, whowever under the two levels of nitrogen combined with B. circulans (T4) were most effective than any other biofertilization, this may be due to the heights respiration during mature. Potassium efficiency in fruit increased photosynthesis, consequently increased carbohydrates would affect the percentage of total reducing and non reducing sugar negatively. ( Miller et al., 1990). With respect to the total reducing and non reducing sugar (T.S.S) recorded the intermediate without significantly effects with B. megaterium (T3) and Azotobacter (T2) in descending order in this respect. These results may be due to the important role of potassium Table 8: Effect of nitrogen, potassium alone or with some biofertilizer on total, reducing and non reducing sugar of Valencia orange fruits. non reducing sugar Total sugar % Reducing sugar % % No Treatments units/fed. 2011

2012

2011

2012

2011

2012

T1

180 N + 120 K

8.06

8.20

3.01

3.04

5.03

5.08

T2

180 N + 120 K + Azotobacter

8.17

8.30

3.08

3.10

5.26

5.31

T3

180 N + 120 K + B. megaterium

8.32

8.34

3.10

3.13

5.30

5.34

T4

180 N + 120 K + B. circulans

8.65

8.70

3.16

3.17

5.44

5.39

T5

140 N + 120 K

9.31

9.40

3.20

3.21

5.47

5.43

T6

140 N + 120 K + Azotobacter

9.35

9.44

3.28

3.30

5.51

5.46

T7

140 N + 120 K + B. megaterium

9.40

9.47

3.32

3.34

5.53

5.55

T8

140 N + 120 K + B. circulans

9.45

9.51

3.38

3.41

5.57

5.6

8.55

8.67

3.44

3.28

5.29

5.44

L.S.D at 5 %

during, its promotion the translocation of products of photosynthesis in plant (Amir and Reinhold, 1971). The present results are in harmony with those of (Dhillon et al., 1999) who showed that potassium activates many different enzymes involved in plant growth and improves qualitative aspects of production such as, taste, consistency and preservation of many fruits. Also, Salem, (2007) added that potassium increases fruit size, improve skin color and sugar content. On the other side, nitrogen fertilizer significantly elevated nitrate, carotene sugar-contents Petterssen, (1978) CONCLUSION As a conclusion, it is suggested that under Egyptian soil conditions the inoculation of Valencia orange with B. megaterium under adding 180 units of nitrogen combined with 120 units of potassium was not only highly effective to increase the production but also improved the quality of fruits and also can maintain yield and superior quality Valencia orange fruits which could exported safety.


277

REFERENCES Abd El-Moumen, M.R. (1994). Response of Balady mandarin trees (Citrus reticulata Blanco) to pollination and fertilization with Phosphorus and magnesium .M.SC. thesis, Faculty of Agricultures. Minia University, Egypt. Abdo, Z.A.A. (2008). Effect of some biofertilization treatments on growth and fruiting of Balady mandarin trees. Ph.D. Thesis, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, Egypt. Ahmed, F.F and G.M. El-Dawwey (1992). Effect of phosphorene (as source of phosphate dissolving bacteria) in enhancing growth and supplying of Chemlali olive seedlings with available phosphorus. Minia J. Agric. Res. Dev., 14: 37-54. Ahmed, F.F., A.M. Aki, F.M. El-Morsy and M.A. Raggab (1997). The beneficial effects of biofertilizer on Red Romy grape vines (Vitis vinifera, L.) 1-The effect on growth and vine nutritional status annals of Agric. Sci. Moshtohor, 35(1): 489-495. Amir, S. and L. Reinhold (1971). Interaction between K-deficiency and light in 14C-sucrose translocation in bean plants. Physiol. Plant., 24: 226-231. Anwar, G.A., Z. Yusheng, O. Sagee, C. Protacio and C.J. Lovatt, (1993). Ammonia and its metabolites influence flowering, fruit set and yield of the Washington navel orange. Hort. Sci., 28 (5) 559. A.O.A.C. (1990). Official Methods of Analysis. 15th Edn., Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC., USA. Aseri, G.K., N. Jain, J. Panwar, A.V. Rao and P.R. Meghwal (2008). Bio-fertilizers improve plant growth, fruit yield, nutrition, metabolism and rhizosphere enzyme activities of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in Indian. Thar Desert. Scientia Horticulturae 117: 130- 135. Ashokan, R., M. Sukhada and A. Lalitha, (2000). Bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides for horticultural crops. Indian Hortic. 45: 44–47. Babu, J.D., L.M. Lavania and K.K. Misra (1984). Qualitative changes in the fruit of Pant Lemon-1(Citrus limon Burm) as influenced by N P and K treatments. Progressive. Horti., 16 (3 / 4) : 188- 190. Bashan, Y. and H. Levanony (1991). Alterations in membrane potential and in proton efflux in plant roots induced by Azospirillum brasilense. Plant Soil 137:99–103. Bhuyan, B., L. Paswan and P. Mahanta (1988). Effect of Potassium on growth, flowering and bulp production in tuberose (Polianthes tuberose L.) cv, Single. J. Agric. Sci. Soc., 9 (2), 119-122. Brown, J.D. and O. Lilleland (1946). Rapid determination of potassium and sodium in plant material and soil extracts by flam photometer. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 48:341-346. Chapman, H.D. and P.F. Pratt (1961). Methods of Analysis for Soil, Plant and Waters. Soil Sci., 93: 68-68. Dai, P.A., S.X. Zheng, C.X. Luo, M.D. Li, F.Q. Huang, D. L. Qiao and J.Y. Ding (1993). The effects of long-term application of P, K and Mg to Satsuma on red soil. China Citrus, 22(1):11-13. (Hort. Abst., 65:1187). Davis, F.S. and L.G. Albirgo (1998). Citrus, Taxonomy, Cultivars and Breeding and Rootstocks. CAB International Walling Ford Oxon, UK. Dhillon, W.S., A.S. Bindra and B.S. Brar (1999). Response of grapes to potassium fertilization in realation to fruit yield, quality and petiole nutrient status. J. Indian Soc. Soil Sci., 47 (1):89-94. El-Haddad, M.E., Y.Z. Ishac and M.I. Mostafa (1993). The role of biofertilizers in reducing agricultural costs, decreasing environmental pollution and raising crop yield. Arab Univ. J. Agric. Sci., 1: 147 -195. El-Khawaga, A.S. (2007). Selecting the optimum amount of organic, mineral and biofertilizers responsible for maximizing the productivity of Balady guava. Epypt. J. Appl. Sci., 22 (5B). El-Saida, S.A. (1996). Physiological studies on nutrition in citrus. Ph.D. Thesis, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Egypt. FAO, (1994). The state of food and agriculture. Agriculture Series, No. 27, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Farag, S.G. (2006). Minimizing mineral fertilizers in grapevine farms. M.Sc. Thesis, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Ain Shams University, Egypt. Ghosh, S., J.N. Penterman, R.D. Little and B.R. Chavez (2003). Three newly isolated plant growth-promoting bacilli facilitate the seedling growth of canola, Brassica campestris. Plant Physiol. Biochem., 41: 277-281. Ghosh, S.N. (1990). Nutritional requirement of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) cv. Mosambi. Haryana J. Hort. Sci., 19: 39-44. Glick, B.R., D.M. Penrose and J. Li, (1998). A model for the lowering of plant ethylene concentrations by plant growth promoting bacteria. J. Theor. Biol. 190:63-68. Gomaa, A.M.H. (1995). Response of certain vegetable crops to biofertilization. Ph. D. thesis Fac. of Agric Cairo. Univ. Egypt. Habeeb, H., Z. Ismail, N.A. Rizk and A.A Abd El-Aziz (1985). Nitrogen fertilization of Valencia oranges in sandy soils. Agric. Res. Rev., 63(3):11-22. Havlin, J.L., J.D. Beaton, S.L. Tisdale and W.L. Nelson (1999). Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: An Introduction to Nutrient Management. 6th Edn., Prentice-Hall Inc.,. USA. Hikal, A.R.F. (2000). Physiological studies on nutrition of Washington Navel orange trees. Ph.D. Thesis, Faculty of Agriculrure, Mansoura University, Egypt.

278


Ismail, Z., H. Habeeb, N.A. Rizk, N. Omar and E.S. El-Banna (1985). Fertilization of Egyptian orange cultivar in sandy soils. Agric. Res. Rev., 63: 1-10. Jackson, M.L. (1973). Soil Chemical Analysis. 2nd Edn., Prentice Hall Pvt. Ltd,. New Delhi. India. Jones, J.B., B. Wolf and H.A. Mills (1991). Plant Analysis Handbook: A Practical Sampling, Preparation, Analysis and Interpretation Guide. Micro-Macro Publishing, Athens, USA., ISBN: 18-781-48001. Khalil, N.F., M.A. Galal and A.F. Soliman (1987). Effect of irrigation fertilization on yield and fruit quality of round jaffa orange trees. Fayoum J. Agric. Res., 1: 144-152. Kohler, J., F. Caravaca, L. Carrasco and A. Rolden (2007). Interactions between a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, an AM fungus and a phosphate-solubilising fungus in the rhizosphere of Lactuca sativa. Applied Soil Ecol., 35: 480-487. Krasilnikove, N. (1961). On the role of soil bacteria in plant nutrition. J. Gen. Applied Microbiol., 7: 128-144. Krauss, A. (2000). Quality production at balanced fertilization: The key for competitive marketing of crops. Proceedings of the 12th CIEC International Symposium on Role of Fertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture, August 21-22, 2000, Suceaua, Romania, pp: 1-16. Kucey, R.M.N., H.H. Tanzen and M.E. Leggett (1989). Microbially mediated increases in plant available phosphorus. Adv. Agron. 42, 199-225. Lavon, R., I. Horesh, S. Shapchiski, E. Mohel and N. Zur (1995). Influence of foliar spray with mono-potassium phosphate (MPK) on the yield, fruit size and fruit quality of Star-Ruby grapefruit. Alone Hanotea, 49: 172-176. M.A.L.R. (2011) Ministry of Agriculture, and Land Reclamation Statistics. Egypt. Mahmoud, H.M. and A.F. Mahmoud (1999). Studies on effect of some biofertilizers on growth of peach seedlings and Root Rot disease incidence. Egypt. J. Hortic., 26: 7-18. Mann, M.S. and S.A. Sandhu (1988). Effect of NPK fertilization on fruit quality and maturity of Kinnow mandarin. Punjab Hortic. J., 28: 14-21. Mansour, A.E.M. and E.A. Shaaban (2007). Effect of different sources of mineral N applied with Organic and Bio fertilizers on fruiting of Washington Navel orange trees. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 3(8): 764-769. Mead, R., R.N. Currow and A.M. Harted (1993). Statistical Methods in Agriculture and Experimental Biology. 2 nd Edn., Chapman and Hall, London, pp: 10-44. Miller, E.W., R.L. Donahue and J.U. Miller (1990). Soils: An Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth. 5 th Edn., Prentice Hall International Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ., USA., pp: 303-339. Montasser, A.S., N. El-Shahat, G.F. Ghoberial and M.Z. El-Wadoud (2003). Residual effect of nitrogen fertilization on leaves and fruits of Thompson seedlees grapes. J. Environ. Sci., 6: 465-484. Mozafar, A. (1993). Nitrogen fertilizers and the amount of vitamins in plants: A review. J. Plant Nutr., 16: 2479-2506. Mukhopadhyay, S.N. (2006). Ecofriendly products through process biotechnology in the provision of biotechnology economy-recent advances. Technorama, 55: 10-20. Musa, A. and E.O. Ogbadoyi (2012). Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Levels of Some Nutrients, Anti-nutrients and Toxic Substances in Hibiscus sabdariffa. Asian Journal of Crop Science. Volume: (4) Issue: 3;pp 103-112. Nijjar, G.S. (1985). Nutrition of Fruit Trees. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi, Ludhiana, pp: 52-137. Petterssen, B.D. (1978). A Comparison between Conventional and Biodynamic Farming Systems as Indicated by Yields and Quality. In: Towards a Sustainable Agriculture, Besson, J. and H. Vogtmann (Eds.). Verlag Wirz, Aarau, Switzerland, pp: 87-94. Pregl, F. (1945). Quantitative Organic Micro Analysis. 4th Edn., J. and A. Churchill Ltd.,. London. Rangana, S. (1977). Manual of Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Production. Tata Mcgraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, New Delhi, India, Pages: 643. Salem, S.E. (2007). Study the interaction effect of potassium and magnesium on yield and quality of grapevine in calcareous soils. M.Sc. Thesis, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt. Sharawy, A.M.A. (2005). Response of Balady lime trees to organic and biofertilizaion. Minia J. Agric. Res. Dev., 25: 118. Shamseldin, A., M.H. El-Sheikh, H.S.A. Hassan and S.S. Kabeil (2010). Microbial bio-fertilization approaches to improve yield and quality of Washington navel orange and reducing the survival of nematode in the soil. J. Amer. Sci., 6: 264-271 Sheng, X.F. (2005). Growth promotion and increased potassium uptake of cotton avdrape by a potassium. Releasing straing of Bacillus edaphicus. Soil Biol., 37: 1918-1922. Sherif, S.E.S. (1980). Effect of potassium levels and methods of application on tree yield and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees grown in sandy soils. Bull. Fac. Agric. Univ. Cairo, 35: 117-129. Sherief, S.H.A. (1997). Consumption of chemical fertilizers in Egypt between exiting and targeted levels of application. J. Agric. Sci. Mansoura Univ., 22: 3151-3165. Soorianathasundaram, K., R.K. Kumar and H. Shanthi (2000). Influence of organic nutrition on the productivity of banana cv. Nendran. South Indian Hortic., 45: 109-114. Subba-Rao, N.S. (1984). Biofertilization in Agriculture. Oxford and IBH Company, New Delhi, India, pp: 1-86. Subba-Rao, N.S., G.S. Venkateraman and S. Kannaiyan (1993). Biological Nitrogen Fixation. Indian Council Agric. Res. (ICAR), New Delhi, India, pp: 112. Sugumaran, P. and B. Janarthanam (2007). Solubilization of potassium containing minerals by bacteria and their effect on plant growth. World J. Agric. Sci., 3: 350-355.


279

Waksman, S.A. (1952). Soil Microbiology. John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York, Pages: 356.

Wange, S.S. and P.L. Patil (1994). Response of tuberose to bio-fertilizer and nitrogen. J. Moharashira Agric. Univ., 19: 484-485.

Wardowshi, W.F., S. Nagy and W. Griespn (1986). Fresh Citrus Fruits. Macmillan Publishers, UK., Pages: 571.

Wettstein, D.V. (1957). Cholrophyll and der submikrosvopische Fornmech coll-droplanstiden. Exp. Cell Res., 12: 427433.

Wood, C.W., G.L. Mullins and B.F. Hajek (2009). Phosphorus in agriculture. Soil Quality Institute Technical Pamphlet No. 2.

Xie, H., J.J. Pasternak and B.R. Glick (1996). Isolation and characterization of mutants of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Pseudomonas putida GR12-2 that overproduce indoleacetic acid. Curr. Microbiol., 32: 67-71.

Yi, Z.H. and Y.H. Pan (1995). Study on the effect of balanced fertilizer application on the yield and fruit quality of Satsuma mandarin grown in ared soil orchard. China Citrus, 24: 14-17.

Young, C.C. (1994). Application and development of N2 - fixing microorganisms. Proceedings of the Symposium on Development and Application of Biofertilizers, Taiwan Agriculture Research Institute, pp: 5-14.

Zayan, M.A., E.S. Morsy, M.A. EL-Hamady and S.A. Dawood (1989). Effects of NPK fertilization and application of some soil amendment agents on II-Vegetative growth and root density and distribution of Valencia and Washington Navel orange varieties. J. Agric. Res. Tanta Univ., 15: 221-234.

‫تأثٍر الخلط بٍن التسمٍذ الحٍوي والكٍماوي على النمو الخضري والمحصول وجوده ثمار البرتقال الفالنشٍا‬ **‫عبذ العزٌز شٍبة الخواجة* و محمود فتحً مقلذ‬ ‫ح انشراػح تقُا – جايؼح جُٕب انٕاد٘ – يصز‬ٛ‫ٍ – كه‬ٛ‫*قسى انثساذ‬

‫ٌ شًس – انقاْزج – يصز‬ٙ‫ح انشراػح – جايؼح ػ‬ٛ‫ٍ – كه‬ٛ‫**قسى انثساذ‬

‫ح ٔذزاكًٓا داخم‬ٛ‫ّ انُرزاذ‬ُٛٛ‫ ٔاٌ االسرخذاو انًفزط نألسًذج انُرزٔج‬، ُٙٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫ذ ان‬ًٛ‫ا تاسرخذاو انرس‬ٛ‫٘ذأثز انًحصٕل ٔجٕدِ ثًار انثزذقال انفانُش‬ )‫ سُح‬12 ‫ا (ػًز‬ٛ‫ ػهٗ أشجار انثزذقال انفانُش‬2012 ٔ 2011 ًٍٛ‫د ْذِ انذراسح خالل انًٕس‬ٚ‫ نذنك أجز‬.‫ز يٍ األضزار‬ٛ‫سثة انكث‬ٚ ‫انثًزج ٔانرزتح‬ ‫ز ثالثح إَٔاع‬ٛ‫ى ذأث‬ٛٛ‫د انذراسح نرق‬ٚ‫ أجز‬.‫ يحافظح قُا‬ٙ‫ ف‬، ٘‫ح انشراػح جايؼح جُٕب انٕاد‬ٛ‫ح نكه‬ٛ‫ث‬ٚ‫ اليشرػح انرجز‬ٙ‫ح ف‬ُٛٛ‫ّ ط‬ًٛٛ‫ أرض ط‬ٙ‫يُشرػح ف‬ ‫ ٔحذج‬180 ٔ‫ أ‬140 ‫ ) يضافا نٓا‬Bacillus circulansٔ Bacillus megaterium ٔ Azotobacter choococcum ( ْٙٔ ‫ح‬ٕٚٛ‫يٍ األسًذج انح‬ .‫ انًحصٕل ٔجٕدج انثًار‬، ‫ األٔراق‬ٙ‫ ف‬َٙ‫ انًحرٕٖ انًؼذ‬، ٘‫ انًُٕ انخضز‬ٙ‫ز إضافرٓى ػه‬ٛ‫ٕو ٔذأث‬ٛ‫ ٔحذج يٍ انثٕذاس‬120 ‫ٍ إنٗ جاَة‬ٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫يٍ ان‬ ‫ذ‬ًٛ‫ٍ يٍ إضافح انرس‬ٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫ ٔحذج يٍ ان‬180 ‫ يغ‬Bacillus circulans ‫زج ػُذ إضافح‬ٛ‫ادج كث‬ٚ‫اساخ انخاصح تانًُٕ سادخ س‬ٛ‫ٔأظٓزخ انُرائج أٌ الق‬ .‫ز نُفس انصفاخ‬ٛ‫ٕ٘ أػطٗ أقم ذأث‬ٛ‫ذ انح‬ًٛ‫ فذاٌ دٌٔ انرس‬/ ٍٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫ ٔحذج يٍ ان‬140 ‫ٍ أٌ إضافح‬ٛ‫ ح‬ٙ‫ ف‬.ٍٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫ ٔحذج يٍ ان‬140 ‫ٕ٘ َفسّ يغ‬ٛ‫انح‬ Bacillus ‫ يغ‬٪8،54 ٔ ٪9،08 ‫ى‬ٛ‫ ٔكاَد انق‬Bacillus circulans ‫ تإضافح‬٪17،97 ٔ ٪18،32 ‫األشجار حٕل‬/‫ انًحصٕل‬ٙ‫ادج ف‬ٚ‫ٔكاَد انش‬ ‫ يغ‬َٙ‫ خالل انًٕسى األٔل ٔانثا‬6.60 ٪ٔ ٪6.31 ‫ث كاَد‬ٛ‫ ح‬Azotobacter choococcum ‫ى نٕحظد ػُذ اسرخذاو‬ٛ‫ًُا أقم انق‬ٛ‫ ت‬megaterium ‫ انحًٕضح ٔانسكز سادخ ذحد انًسرٕ ٘اخ‬ٙ‫ إن‬TSS ًّٛ‫ ق‬، ‫ انحًٕضح‬، TSS ‫ز انثًزج يثم‬ٛ‫ نؼص‬ٙ‫ائ‬ًٛٛ‫ة انك‬ٛ‫ انرزك‬.ٍٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫ ٔحذج يٍ ان‬180 ‫إضافح‬ ‫ح‬ٛ‫اخ انؼان‬ٕٚ‫ ذحد انًسر‬Bacillus circulans ‫ًكٍ أٌ َسرخهص إنٗ أٌ اسرخذاو‬ٚ ٙ‫ ٔتانران‬.‫ح‬ٛ‫ُاخ انكه‬ٛ‫ ٔانكارٔذ‬V.C ‫ٍ ياػذا‬ٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫انًُخفضح يٍ ان‬ .‫ح‬ٕٚٛ‫ح ػٍ األَٕاع األخزٖ يٍ األسًذج انح‬ٚ‫ّ نهغا‬ٛ‫ٕو كاٌ أكثز فؼان‬ٛ‫ ٔحذج يٍ انثٕذاس‬120 ّ‫ٍ إنٗ جاَة أضاف‬ٛ‫رزٔج‬ُٛ‫ٔانًُخفضح يٍ ان‬