Effects of iron and zinc on Sweet lime (Citrus limmetta) fruit quantity and quality in calcareous soils

This study was conducted on 5-years-old grafted sweet lime trees as factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates in Jahrom region. The first factor was iron sulfate (0, 5 and 10 mgL-1) and the second factor was zinc sulfate (0, 5 and 10 mgL-1). Both factors were applied as spraying in mid-June after June drop. In the harvest time were measured leaf iron and zinc amount; fruit volume; fruit peel water percent; vitamin C and total acid in fruit juice and tree yield. Results showed that the treatments had significant effect on characteristics including fruit volume; yield; vitamin C; total acid, fruit peel water percent and leaf iron and zinc amount. In general, based on the results can be recommended spraying 10 mgL-1 iron and zinc sulfates during June to improve the quantity and quality characteristics as well as increased yield of sweet lime in calcareous soil.