with the collaboration of Iranian Scientific Association for Landscape (ISAL)

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Calcium and Potassium Thiosulfate Compounds on Biochemical Traits and Yield in the Walnut (Juglans regia L. var. Chandler)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

2 Temperate Fruits Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organizations, Karaj, Iran

Abstract
Introduction
The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a valuable commercial crop with high economic and nutritional value. Nutrition management is one of the most important factors affecting the growth and performance of modern walnut orchards. The demand for high-quality walnuts is increasing day by day in the national and international markets. Horticultural production has undergone tremendous changes in recent years due to the development of innovative technologies, including nutrient management practices. Nutrient management of walnuts is one of the important factors for increasing yield and improving the quality of walnut kernels. The use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers is essential for tree growth and the production of fruits such as walnuts. The enhancement in the use of fertilizers in an irrational manner has led to a decrease in soil productivity and multiple nutrient deficiencies. Minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers in fruit cultivation is the goal of integrated fruit production. The gravity of environmental degradation caused by the faulty cultivation practices has led to focus on ecologically sound, viable and sustainable farming systems. In this study, in order to investigate the efficiency and feasibility of replacing sulfate-containing fertilizers with thiosulfate-based fertilizers, the effect of calcium thiosulfate and potassium thiosulfate fertilizers on increasing the yield and quality of walnut fruit was evaluated in an experiment.
 
Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted in 1402, in a randomized complete block design with three replications and 5 trees per experimental unit in an orchard with 6-year-old Chandler trees grown from tissue culture seedlings in the Khoramdareh Agro-Industrial Complex. The experimental treatments included T1: regular orchard nutrition (control) including 50 kg.ha-1 potassium nitrate calcium + 200 kg.ha-1 potassium sulfate, T2: 100 L.ha-1 calcium thiosulfate plus 200 kg.ha-1 potassium sulfate, T3: 50 kg.ha-1 potassium nitrate and calcium plus 100 L.ha-1 potassium thiosulfate plus 125 kg potassium sulfate, T4: 100 L.ha-1 calcium thiosulfate plus 100 L.ha-1 potassium thiosulfate plus 125 kg potassium sulfate. After applying the treatments, after observing signs of ripening, the fruits of the tree were harvested and transferred to the laboratory for evaluation of biochemical and physical traits.
 
Results and Discussion
Analysis of variance for fruit and yield traits showed significant differences at the 1 and 5 % levels. Comparison of the means of these traits showed that the highest fruit dry weight, fresh and dry kernel weights, and kernel percentage were obtained in the calcium and potassium thiosulfate treatment, and the highest tree yield and yield efficiency per trunk cross-section were obtained in the calcium thiosulfate treatment. Calcium increases the growth of hairy roots, root cell division, root length and also enhance the absorption and transfer of nutrients and water to the plant, This led to an improvement in fresh and dry weight of the plant and yield. Calcium also increases the fresh and dry weight of the plant by increasing the transfer of carbohydrates from leaves to fruit. On the other side, potassium increases fresh and dry weight and yield by enhancing photosynthesis, carbohydrate formation and transport, maintaining intracellular pH, and absorbing nutrients from the soil. In addition, the results of the comparison of means showed that all treatments used increased the total phenol and flavonoid content of walnut fruit compared to the control, so that the highest total phenol and flavonoid content were obtained in the potassium thiosulfate and potassium and calcium thiosulfate treatments. Calcium reduces oxidative stress in the membrane through membrane strength and delays the degradation and reduction of phenolic compounds by strengthening the membrane and cell wall. Moreover, Potassium increases plant growth and photosynthetic activity, increasing the allocation of additional carbon to the shikimic acid pathway, thereby increasing phenolic substances such as phenols and total flavonoids. Potassium also increases phenolic compounds and antioxidants by increasing the activity of the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase, which is a key enzyme in the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Analysis of variance of data related to crude fiber, total protein and crude fat of fruit showed significant difference between treatments at 1% level, but the effect of treatments on ash content of samples was not significant. Results of mean comparison showed that the highest amount of crude fiber was related to potassium and calcium thiosulfate treatment. Increased absorption and transport of nutrients is one of the important factors in increasing crude fiber in plants, and it seems that rapid absorption and transport of thiosulfate-containing compounds has led to improved fiber production. Analysis of variance of data related to linoleic and oleic acid traits of walnut fruit showed significant difference between treatments at 1% level and results of mean comparison also showed significant increase in linoleic acid content in fruits under calcium and potassium thiosulfate treatment and potassium thiosulfate treatment. There are two important sources for assimilation and oil formation. The first is the carbohydrate pathway that is produced in the leaf after photosynthesis and transferred to the fruit, and the second is the carbohydrate pathway that is formed during photosynthesis in the walnut fruit, which is converted into fatty acids after enzymatic processes. In this study, increasing sulfur, potassium, and calcium and increasing the absorption of trace elements due to thiosulfate consumption increased photosynthetic activity and increased the production of plant metabolites, which increased the fatty acids in walnuts. Therefore, the obtained results indicate high efficiency of calcium and potassium thiosulfate fertilizers in increasing quality and yield of walnut fruit.
 
Conclusion
Our findings indicated that calcium thiosulfate - potassium thiosulfate combination were the best treatments for increasing quantitative and qualitative characteristics of walnut fruit. These findings demonstrate the potential of calcium and potassium thiosulfate fertilizers to enhance walnut orchard productivity and fruit quality, making them a recommended choice for nutrient management strategies.

Keywords

Subjects

Authors retain the copyright. This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

  1. Al-Yousif, A., & Al-Miahy, M. (2007). Effect of calcium on Jujube Ziziphus fruit growth & their resistance to jujube fruit fly Carpomyia incompleta. Journal of Kerbala University, 3(2), 106-113.
  2. Afridi, M. Z., Jan, M. T., & Shad, A. A. (2002). Some aspects of NPK nutrition for improved yield and oil contents of canola. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 5, 507-509. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajps.2002.507.509
  3. Ahmad, G., Jan, A., Arif, M., Jan, M. T., & Khattak, R. A. (2007). Influence of nitrogen and sulfur fertilization on quality of canola (Brassica napus) under rainfed conditions. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 8(10), 731-737. https://doi.org/ 10.1631/jzus.2007.B0731
  4. (2019). Organization, I.N.S., Biscuit specifications and test methods. Iranian National Standard.
  5. (2023). Agriculture Statistic of Iran. Deputy Planning and Economic, Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad, Iran.(in Persian). Retrieved 11 July 2018..from https://www.maj.ir/Dorsapax/userfiles/Sub65/Amarnamehj194-95-site.pdf.
  6. Awad, M. A., Soaud, A. A., Badawi, M. A., & Eshkandi, O. H. (2003). Effect of elemental sulfur, chemical and organic fertilizers on nutrient uptake, yield and fruit quality of date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera) cv. ‘Neghal’.The 7th Annual U.A.E. University Research Conference, p. 34-39.
  7. Bilgin, N. (2021). Effects of foliar applications on nutrient concentrations of kernel, pomological properties and yield of 'Chandler' walnut variety at different altitudes. Tarim Bilimleri Dergisi, 28(4), 603-614. https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.925268
  8. Bilgin, N. A. (2022). Effects of foliar applications on nutrient concentrations of kernel, pomological properties and yield of'Chandler'walnut variety at different altitudes. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 28(4), 603-612. https://doi.org/10.15832/ankutbd.92526
  9. Bound, S., & Wilson, J. (2004). Response of two apple cultivars to potassium thiosulphate as a blossom thinner. IX International Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production, p. 36-62. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.653.9
  10. Boyd, D. A. (2016). Sulfur and its role in modern materials science. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 55(50), 15486-15502. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201604615
  11. Connor, D. J., & Fereres, E. (2010). The Physiology of Adaptation. Horticultural Reviews, 31(31), 155
  12. Conway, W. S., & Sams, C. E. (1987). The effects of postharvest infiltration of calcium, magnesium, or strontium on decay, firmness, respiration, and ethylene production in apples. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 112(2), 300-303. https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS.112.2.300
  13. de Almeida Costa, G. E., da Silva Queiroz-Monici, K., Reis, S. M. P. M., & de Oliveira, A. C. (2006). Chemical composition, dietary fibre and resistant starch contents of raw and cooked pea, common bean, chickpea and lentil legumes. Food Chemistry, 94(3), 327-330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.11.020
  14. Dehghan, G., & Khoshkam, Z. (2012). Tin (II)–quercetin complex: Synthesis, spectral characterisation and antioxidant activity. Food Chemistry, 131(2), 422-426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.08.074
  15. Desouky, I. M. (2009). Effect of boron and calcium sprays on fruit set, oil content and oil quality of some olive oil cultivars IM Desouky,“Laila F. Haggag, MMM Abd El-Migeed" FFM Kishk and “ES. El-Hady" Department of Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Shoubra El-Kheima, Cairo, Egypt “Department of Pomology, National Research Centre, El-Tharir St., Dokki, Egypt. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 5(2), 180-185.
  16. Devi, K. N., Singh, L. N. K., Singh, M. S., Singh, S. B., & Singh, K. K. (2012). Influence of sulphur and boron fertilization on yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of soybean (Glycine max) under upland conditions. Journal of Agricultural Science, 4(4), 1. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v4n4p1
  17. Droux, M. (2004). Sulfur assimilation and the role of sulfur in plant metabolism: A survey. Photosynthesis Research, 79(3), 331-348. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:PRES.0000017196.95499.11
  18. El-Badawy, H. E. M. (2019). Implication of using potassium and magnesium fertilization to improve growth, yield and quality of crimson seedless grapes (Vitis vinifera). Journal of Plant Production, 10(2), 133-141. https://doi.org/10.21608/jpp.2019.36243
  19. Emam, S. M., & Semida, W. M. (2020). Foliar-applied Amcoton® and potassium thiosulphate enhances the growth and productivity of three faba beans varieties by improving photosynthetic efficiency. Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 5(2), 89-96. https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2020.050202
  20. Fanaei, H. R., Galavi, M., Kafi, M., Bonjar, A. G., & Shirani-Rad, A. H. (2011). Effect of drought stress and potassium on solutes accumulation and chlorophyll of canola ( napus L.) and Indian mustard (B. juncea L.). JWSS-Isfahan University of Technology, 15(57), 141-156. (In Persian with English abstract)
  21. Fanaei, H., Galavi, M., Kafi, M., & Shirani-Rad, A. H. (2013). Interaction of water deficit stress and potassium application on potassium, calcium, magnesium concentration and oil of two species of canola (Brassica napus) and mustard (Brassica juncea). Water and Soil Science, 23(3), 261-275. (In Persian with English abstract)
  22. (2022). FAO statistical database. Available at: http://apps.fao.org
  23. Gaaliche, B., Ladhari, A., Zarrelli, A., & Mimoun, M. B. (2019). Impact of foliar potassium fertilization on biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of fig (Ficus carica). Scientia Horticulturae, 253, 111-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2019.04.024
  24. Germain, E., Prunet, Y., & Garcin, A. (1999). Le noyer. Centre Technique Interprofessione ldes Fruits et Légumes Press: 279, 45-61.
  25. Ghesmati, M., Moradinezhad, F., & Khayyat, M. (2017). Effects of foliar application of calcium nitrate and calcium chloride on antioxidant properties and quality of Ziziphus jujuba Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 23, 871-881. ( in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22092/ijmapr.2017.111043.2059
  26. Golzari, M., Rahemi, M., Hassani, D., Vahdati, K., & Dalalppur, M. N. (2013). Protein content, fat and fatty acids of kernel in some Persian walnut (Juglans regia) cultivars affected by kind of pollen. Quarterly Journal of Food Science and Technology, 38(10), 15-18.
  27. Gonzalez, S., Duncan, S. E., O’Keefe, S. F., Sumner, S. S., & Herbein, J. H. (2003). Oxidation and textural characteristics of butter and ice cream with modified fatty acid profiles. Journal of Dairy Science, 86(1), 70-77. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(03)73585-1
  28. Goodarzi, H., Hassani, D., Pourhosseini, L., Kalantari, S., & Lashgari, A. (2023). Total lipid and fatty acids components of some Persian walnut (Juglans regia) cultivars. Scientia Horticulturae, 321, 112252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112252
  29. Hafsi, C., Debez, A., & Abdelly, C. (2014). Potassium deficiency in plants: Effects and signaling cascades. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 36(5), 1055-1070. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-014-1491-2
  30. Hassani, D., Sarikhani, S., Dastjerdi, R., Mahmoudi, R., Soleimani, A., & Vahdati, K. (2020). Situation and recent trends on cultivation and breeding of Persian walnut in Iran. Scientia Horticulturae, 270, 109369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109369
  31. Hegazi, E. S., Mohamed, S. M., El-Sonbaty, M. R., Abd El-Naby, S. K. M., & El-Sharony, T. F. (2011). Effect of potassium nitrate on vegetative growth, nutritional status, yield and fruit quality of olive cv. Picual. Journal of Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants, 3(3), 252-258.
  32. Jamaly, R., Parent, S., Ziadi, N., & Parent, L. (2023) Short-term impact of elemental sulfur on cranberry nutrition and crop performance. Open Journal of Soil Science, 13, 83-96. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojss.2023.132004.
  33. Kaviani, B., Ansari, R., Babaei, S. K., Aboksari, H. A., Ansari, M. H., & Akhgari, H. (2023). Effect of combined foliar application of calcium and potassium on the shelf life and quality of Thomson Navel orange. Journal of Plant Production, 63-82. https://doi.org/10.22069/jopp.2021.19143.2827
  34. Khorami, S. S., & Vahdati, K. (2019). Determination of Persian walnut yield components and its correlation with phenological, morphological and biochemical traits. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science, 6(3), 549-560. (in Persian with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.22059/ijhs.2018.260251.1474
  35. Lanauskas, J. & Kvikliene, N. (2006). Effect of calcium foliar application on some fruit quality characteristics of ‘Sinap Orlovskij’apple. Agronomy Research, 4(1), 31-36.
  36. Mahmoud, T. S. M., Mohamed, E. S. A., & El-Sharony, T. F. (2017). Influence of foliar application with potassium and magnesium on growth, yield and oil quality of “Koroneiki” olive trees. American Journal of Food Technology, 12, 209-220. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajft.2017.209.220
  37. Malakoti, M. J. (2000). The role of calcium and zinc in increasing the yield and improving the quality of apple trees "Calcium and zinc are vital and forgotten elements in the proper nutrition of fruit orchards in the country. The Second Iranian Congress of Horticultural Sciences. Tehran, Iran. (In Persian with English abstract)
  38. Moradi, B., Raeisei, T., & Shahnazari, S. (2016). The effect of different fertilization methods on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of kiwi fruit. Soil Research Journal, 30(3), 237-248. (In Persian)
  39. Morales, J., Martínez-Alcántara, B., Bermejo, A., Millos, J., Legaz, F., Quiñones, A. (2023). Effect of calcium fertilization on calcium uptake and its partitioning in citrus trees. Agronomy, 13, 2971. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122971
  40. Moosavi-Nezhad, M., Homayoonzadeh, M., Tsaniklidis, G., Roessner, U., Woltering, E., Fanourakis, D., Aliniaeifard, S. (2024). Enhancing shelf life of bell peppers through preharvest fertigation with calcium and potassium thiosulfate: A focus on antioxidant and cell wall degradation enzymes. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2(8), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101262
  41. Mudau, F. N., Soundy, P., & Du Toit, E. S. (2007). Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrition on total polyphenol content of bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides) leaves in shaded nursery environment. HortScience, 42(2), 334-338. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.42.2.334
  42. Nazoori, F., ZamaniBahramabadi, E., Mirdehghan, H., & Yousef, M. (2022). Preharvest application of sulfur as pesticide on fresh hull and kernel of pistachio (Pistacia vera). International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 117-129. https://doi.org/10.22059/ijhst.2021.313206.408
  43. Nguyen, P. M., Kwee, E. M., & Niemeyer, E. D. (2010). Potassium rate alters the antioxidant capacity and phenolic concentration of basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves. Food Chemistry, 123(4), 1235-1241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.05.092
  44. Oskonbaeva, Z., Joergensen, R. G., & Wichern, F. (2024). Influence of soil extractable plant nutrients on the walnut kernel ionome in Southern Kyrgyzstan at different elevations. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-02122-z
  45. Ozkan, G., & Koyuncu, M. A. (2005). Physical and chemical composition of some walnut (Juglans regia L) genotypes grown in Turkey. Grasas y Aceites, 56(2), 141-146. https://doi.org/10.3989/gya.2005.v56.i2.122
  46. Pandey, G. K., & Mahiwal, S. (2020). Role of Potassium in Plants (Vol. 49). Chamistry, Switzerland: Springer.
  47. Puerta-Gomez, A. F., & Cisneros-Zevallos, L. (2011). Postharvest studies beyond fresh market eating quality: Phytochemical antioxidant changes in peach and plum fruit during ripening and advanced senescence. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 60(3), 220-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2011.01.005
  48. Rabari, K., Souri, M., & Roozban, M. (2023). Exogenous calcium improves growth and physiological responses of pistachio rootstocks against excess boron under salinity. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 46, 2-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2023.2224817
  49. Rasool, F. U., Hasan, B., Jahangir, I. A., Ali, T., & Mubarak, T. (2013). Nutritional yield and economic responses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) to integrated levels of nitrogen, sulphur and farmyard manure. Open Research Repository, p. 73-78. https://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i1.5373
  50. Rouhi, V., Nikbakht, A., & Hooshmand, S. (2015). Effect of sodium chloride concentrations and Its foliar application time on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) cv.“Malas Saveh”. Journal of Horticultural Science, 29(2), 158-167. https://doi.org/10.22067/jhorts4.v0i0.26271
  51. Saadati, S., Moallemi, N., Mortazavi, S. M. H., & Seyyednejad, S. M. (2013). Effects of zinc and boron foliar application on soluble carbohydrate and oil contents of three olive cultivars during fruit ripening. Scientia Horticulturae, 164, 30-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2013.08.033
  52. Santos, E., Montanha, G. S., Agostinho, L. F., Polezi, S., Marques, J. P. R., & de Carvalho, H. W. P. (2023). Foliar calcium absorption by tomato plants: Comparing the effects of calcium sources and adjuvant usage. Plants, 12(14), 2587. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142587
  53. Shahidi, F., & Zhong, Y. (2005). Lipid oxidation: Measurement methods. Bailey's Industrial Oil and Fat Products. https://doi.org/10.1002/047167849X.bio050
  54. Sharma, R. R., Singh, C. N., & Goswami, A. M. (2001). Polyphenol oxidase activity in mango (Mangifera indica) in relation to flowering behaviour and the malformation incidence. Fruits, 56(4), 219-224. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/fruits:2001124
  55. Sharma, R. R., Singh, D., & Pal, R. K. (2013). Synergistic influence of pre-harvest calcium sprays and postharvest hot water treatment on fruit firmness, decay, bitter pit incidence and postharvest quality of royal delicious apples (Malus x domestica Borkh). American Journal of Plant Sciences, 4(1), 153-159. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2013.41020
  56. Simonne, E. H., Jones Jr, J. B., Mills, H. A., Smittle, D. A., & Hussey, C. G. (1993). Influence of catalyst, sample weight, and digestion conditions on Kjeldahl nitrogen. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 24(13-14), 1609-1616. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103629309368904
  57. Singh, B., & Usha, K. (2001, September). Effect of macro and micro-nutrient spray on fruit yield and quality of grape (Vitis vinifera) cv. Perlette. In International Symposium on Foliar Nutrition of Perennial Fruit Plants 594. pp. 197-202. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.594.21
  58. Stampar, F., Solar, A., Hudina, M., Veberic, R., & Colaric, M. (2006). Traditional walnut liqueur–cocktail of phenolics. Food Chemistry, 95(4), 627-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.01.035
  59. Taiz, L., & Zeiger, E. (2002). Plant Physiology. Sunderland, MA, USA: Sinauer Associates. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.01.035
  60. Wang, Q., Liao, Y., Zhao, W., Yi, T., Jiang, Y., Zhu, G., Sun, Y., Wang, Q., Chen, F., Zhang, & PRui, Y. (2024). Potassium-based nanomaterials significantly enhance nutrient utilization efficiency and promote high crop yields. Environmental Science: Nano, 11(7), 2906-2922. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00148F
  61. Xu, X., Du, X., Wang, F., Sha, J., Chen, Q., Tian, G., Zhu, Z., Ge, S., & Jiang, Y. (2020). Effects of potassium levels on plant growth, accumulation and distribution of carbon, and nitrate metabolism in apple dwarf rootstock seedlings. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 904. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00904
  62. Yu, J., Zhu, M., Bai, M., Xu, Y., Fan, S., & Yang, G. (2020). Effect of calcium on relieving berry cracking in grape (Vitis vinifera) ‘Xiangfei’. Reviewed and Open Access Journal, 8, e9896. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9896
  63. Zareei, E., Javadi, T., & Aryal, R. (2018). Biochemical composition and antioxidant activity affected by spraying potassium sulfate in black grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Rasha). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 98(15), 5632-5638. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.9107

 

Send comment about this article
Enter Name.
Enter a valid email address.
Enter a vaid affiliation.
Enter comments (At leaset 10 words)
CAPTCHA Image
Enter Security Code Correctly.

  • Receive Date 28 April 2025
  • Revise Date 19 June 2025
  • Accept Date 30 June 2025
  • First Publish Date 30 June 2025