Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of African Postgrdudate Studies - Department of Natural Resources

This investigation was carried out during the 2017 and 2018 seasons on 2Le-Conte" pear trees to study the possibility of improving soil characteristics, productivity and fruit quality of pear trees by using different sources of organic fertilizers (compost, humic acid and algae extract) in Egypt and South Africa. Eight fertilization treatments were applied as follows: mineral fertilizer (control), enriched compost, enriched compost + Humic acid at 30cm/tree, enriched compost + Humic acid at 60cm/tree, enriched compost + Algae extract at 1cm/tree, enriched compost + Algae extract at 2cm/tree, enriched compost + Humic acid at 30cm/tree + Algae extract at 1cm/tree and enriched compost + Humic acid at 60cm/tree + Algae extract at 2cm/tree. The results indicated that there is a possibility of using organic fertilization as a substitute for mineral fertilization. This study confirmed that the combined application of enriched compost + 60cm humic acid + 2cm algae extract was the best management system for improving soil properties, which is reflected in ensuring the best vegetative growth traits, achieving the highest yield with its components, improving the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits. Also enhancing leaf content of chlorophyll and mineral elements as well as increasing shelf life by reducing the rate of deterioration and as well for retaining the quality attributes during extended storage under the ambient temperature conditions at 28{u00B0}C±2 with 65-70% relative humidity for 18 days of Le-Conte pear fruits

Issued also as CD