Plant and Soil Science

Study of the influence of phosphite fertilisers on the quality of apple fruits in plantings of the ‘Fuji’ variety

Iryna Katerynchuk, Oleksandr Katerynchuk, Volodymyr Zamorskyi
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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the effectiveness of foliar fertilisation with phosphite fertilisers by the company LLC “Ecoorganic” in apple plantations of the ‘Fuji’ cultivar and to determine their influence on the dynamics of accumulation of dry soluble substances, sugars, and organic acids in fruits. The research was conducted in 2022 on the experimental orchards of Uman National University of Horticulture (Ukraine). In the experiment, a control without fertiliser application and variants treated with three types of fertilisers (Poliaktiv Twinfos, Poliaktiv Twinfos Amino, Ecoline Phosphite K-Amino) at a dose of 1.5 L/ha during the fruit ripening phase were compared. Refractometric, spectrophotometric, and titrometric methods were used to assess the biochemical composition of the fruits. The findings showed that foliar fertilisation significantly affected the biochemical indicators of apple fruit quality. During the fruit ripening period, an increase in the content of dry soluble substances was observed in all experimental variants; however, the highest values were recorded when using the fertiliser Poliaktiv Twinfos, where this indicator significantly exceeded the control. A similar pattern was established for sugar accumulation: their maximum content was noted in fruits treated with the fertiliser Poliaktiv Twinfos, while the use of fertilisers Poliaktiv Twinfos Amino and Ecoline Phosphite K-Amino also ensured an increase in this indicator compared to the control. Furthermore, in all variants with foliar fertilisation, a decrease in the content of organic acids in fruits was observed, which contributed to the development of a more balanced taste. The most pronounced effect of acidity reduction was established when using the fertiliser Poliaktiv Twinfos. Practical significance of the study consists in the scientific substantiation of the feasibility of foliar fertilisation of the ‘Fuji’ apple cultivar during the fruit ripening phase to increase sugar content, reduce acidity, and improve the commercial and consumer qualities of fruits under conditions of increasing climate stress

Keywords

foliar fertilisation; biochemical composition of fruits; dry soluble substances; sugar content; organic acids

Suggested citation
Katerynchuk, I., Katerynchuk, O., & Zamorskyi, V. (2026). Study of the influence of phosphite fertilisers on the quality of apple fruits in plantings of the ‘Fuji’ variety. Plant and Soil Science, 17(2), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.31548/plant2.2026.45
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