Comparing the effect of nano and conventional fertilizers on Lebanese table grape ‘Tfiefihi’

Nano-fertilization is known to prevent plants from various stresses by improving plant productivity and quality. Nano-fertilizers application reduces the use of chemicals fertilizers, the wastage of fertilizers, and the cost of cultivation. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of Ca-based nano-fertilizers (Lithovit standard and Biozar Ca+B) with the conventional fertilizer on the Lebanese table grape cultivar ‘Tfiefihi’ The treatments of the study were: no product (control), conventional fertilizer (Cal-bore fertilizer), Lithovit standard, and Biozar Ca+B. Lithovit standard and control caused a higher reduction in leaf N content compared to Biozar Ca+B and the conventional fertilizer. Control and conventional treatments increased P content in leaf by 0.07 and 0.02%, respectively. However, Lithovit standard and Biozar decreased P by 0.02 and 0.1%, respectively. The highest increase in K content was induced by control, followed by the conventional, Lithovit standard and Biozar Ca+B. Biozar stimulated the highest increase in Fe content (187 ppm) while the control induced the lowest (36.6 ppm). In addition, conventional fertilizer recorded the highest increase in Ca content in leaf (1.7%) and Biozar Ca+B recorded the lowest (0.34%). Magnesium content in leaf was the lowest in Biozar Ca+B (0.17%) and the highest in control (1.28%). No significant difference was recorded in terms of shoot length, leaf number, titratable acidity, cluster weight, and yield between treatments. Juice content was the highest with conventional fertilizer and Biozar Ca+B (0.73 kg). Almost all fertilizers hastened harvest by one week compared to control. Both nano-fertilizers showed comparable effects with the conventional one. However, nano-fertilizers are used in lesser amounts than conventional ones; thus being eco-friendly.