Metabolic profiling of sapota fruit cv. Cricket ball grown under foliar nutrition, irrigation and water deficit stress

The study was aimed at assessing the fruit quality of sapota (Manilkara achras L.,) grown under foliar nutrition, irrigation and water deficit stress. Metabolomics approach was employed to distinguish fruit quality characteristics and the data was subjected to Principal Component Analysis. Results showed that the metabolomics approach is a valuable tool in distinguishing fruit quality characteristics of sapota grown under different water and nutrient regimes and Principal Component Analysis was effective in identification of key factors determining fruit quality. Foliar application of mineral nutrients in the preharvest phase of fruit development was more effective, efficient and economical compared to conventional soil application of nutrients and irrigation for producing sapota fruits of superior quality. Fruits provided with foliar nutrition also showed increased levels of essential mineral nutrients and health promoting phytochemicals compared to fruits from control and irrigated trees. The study confirmed that foliar nutrition requiring minimum amount of nutrients, water and labor is an effective strategy which could be applied routinely by orchardists to improve fruit quality of sapota grown under water-limiting conditions.