Effect of Foliar Application of Nutrients on the Quality of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.)

Abstract

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the effects of seven foliar nutrient treatments on the nutritional and sensory quality of Swiss chard under the agro-climatic conditions of Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Study Design: A randomised block design with seven treatments and three replications was used. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Regional Wheat Rust Research Station, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, from March to May 2025. Methodology: The treatments comprised T₁: Control (Water spray), T₂: Phule Micrograde II, T₃: Calcium nitrate, T₄: Magnesium sulphate, T₅: Zinc sulphate, T₆: 19:19:19 and T₇: 12:61:00. The Swiss chard seedlings were transplanted on 9 April 2025, followed by foliar sprays at 20 and 40 DAT, each at a concentration of 0.5%; observations on biochemical and sensory parameters were recorded at harvest. Results: The results revealed that foliar application of nutrients influenced the quality attributes of Swiss chard. Treatment T₆ (19:19:19) recorded the highest total nitrogen content (3.08%), total potassium content (4.87%) and excellent organoleptic characteristics in terms of aroma (6.90), crispiness (7.60) and texture (7.40). Similarly, treatment T₇ (12:61:00) registered the maximum phosphorus content (0.50%) and remained statistically at par with T₆ for phosphorus concentration. Among the micronutrients, T₂ (Phule Micrograde II) recorded the highest copper (12.47 ppm), manganese (16.47 ppm) and iron (102.27 ppm) contents, whereas the highest chlorophyll content was recorded under T₅ (2.09 mg/g), followed by T₄ (2.01 mg/g). The control treatment (T₁) recorded the lowest values for most of the quality parameters. Conclusion: Foliar application of 19:19:19 proved to be the most effective in enhancing sensory quality and major nutritional attributes, while 12:61:00 recorded the highest phosphorus content. Phule Micrograde II was superior for copper, manganese and iron contents, whereas Zinc sulphate recorded the highest zinc and chlorophyll contents. Overall, foliar nutrient application improved the nutritional and sensory quality of Swiss chard, with the response varying according to the nutrient source applied.