HISTOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF YEAST AND KINETIN APPLICATION ON FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS AND FRUIT GROWTH STAGES OF BALADY MANDARIN CULTIVAR

Abstract

Citrus trees are the backbone of fruit culture in Egypt, Mandarin tranks the second crop after oranges in Egyptian citrus industry.

Baladi mandarin fruits are of superior quality. The major mandarin production, in Egypt is confined to the local variety "Baladi" which is belongs to common Mediterranean Mandarin; Citrus reticulata Blanco or Citrus deliciosa.

Because of the importance of citrus production in Egypt., it is a necessary for the citrus growers to find out the important means for improving productivity of the trees. There is no doubt that carrying out good balanced program for bio-fertilizer (active dry yeast) and plant growth regulator (cytokinin). Bio-fertilization for fruit crops has called the attention of pomologists and considered the new promising. Technique for nutrition of fruit trees bio-fertilization was· very safe for human, animal and environment and using it reduced at the lower extent the great pollution occurred in our environment.

The various positive effects and benefits of applying active dry yeast as bio-fertilizer were attributed to its own after decomposition from amino acids and vitamins B, B 2 and B6 ( James, 1994). In addition, it releases carbon dioxide (C02) and carbonic acid, whereby, induced a reduction in PH value of soil solution around plant roots, and formation a higher amount of natural hormone namely cytokinins, Pawtar et al (1985) and Martimez- Anoya et al, (1990). Also,yest has different nutrients and, is beneficial in stimulating photosynthesis, (Larson eta/ 1962 and Subba Rao 1984).

The present study was initiated to elucidate the beneficial effect of using yeast and kinetin applications on Baladi mandarin.