Abstract
A study conducted during the 1997-98 through 2001- 02 seasons in a block of 'Sunburst' (Citrus reticulata Blanco x C. paradisi Macf.) orange located in Indian River County inves tigated effects of foliar potassium nitrate (KNO[sub3]) sprays on fruitsize and yield. The trees were either left untreated or had foliar applications of KNO[sub3] in February, April, and July. The treatment effects were measured by counting the number of fruit and determining the size distribution for 10 trees in each of four plots at time of harvest. In each season, trees receiving KNO[sub3] applications had a greater number of larger-sized fruit than control trees. Trees receiving the KNO[sub3] applications had over 30% more size 100 and larger fruit during the first spot picks in early November of each year. Trees receiving KNO[sub3] applications averaged $5.00 more per tree during the first spot each year in gross returns due to larger sized fruit compared to control trees.
