Rootstock Effect on Nutrient Concentration of Sweet Cherry Leaves

The present investigation aimed to study the leaf mineral composition of sweet cherry trees on different rootstocks, since the literature data on uptake efficiency of different rootstocks is inconsistent. Results confirmed the different uptake efficiency of rootstocks. The efficiency of ‘GiSelA 6’ root is emphasized in uptake and supply of leaves with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn), but trees on this rootstock tend to develop calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) deficiencies. The Prunus mahaleb rootstocks on calcareous sandy soil are efficient supplier of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu, but this root tends to develop Zn, B, and Mn deficiencies. Prunus avium seedling as rootstock proved to be less efficient in supply of leaves by N, P, K, Ca, and Cu. Prunus fruticosa ‘Prob’ root showed tendency in developing several leaf nutrient deficiencies. The applied fertilizer program led to low nutrient levels or even deficiency symptoms in leaves.     

INFLUENCE OF ROOTSTOCK ON MINERAL UPTAKE AND SCION GROWTH OF ‘GOLDEN DELICIOUS’ AND ‘ROYAL GALA’ APPLES

Influence of four rootstocks (M.9, MM.106, MM.111, and local seedling) on the scion leaf and fruit mineral concentrations, tree growth, yield and fruit quality attributes of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Royal Gala’ apples during four seasons (2008–2011) were significant. The mechanisms behind the influence of rootstock on scion vigor and yield was that the rootstock brought about its effects upon the scion by influencing the amounts of minerals taken up and translocated to the scion. ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ trees on seedling had the highest efficiency in calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) uptake. Whereas, trees of these cultivars on M.9 were more efficient in nitrogen (N), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) uptake. MM.106 had the highest efficiency in phosphorous (P) uptake, and M.9 had the lowest K and Ca uptake. The highest N- fruit concentration and the lowest Ca-fruit concentration were observed in cultivars on M.9.     

Leaf mineral nutrition and tree vigor of ‘Subirana’ flat peach cultivar grafted on different Prunus rootstocks in a warm Mediterranean area

Abstract

Recent trends in peach orchards have focused on intensification and high density plantings using different Prunus rootstock species with different vigor traits. This investigation aims to study the physiological behavior of different Prunus rootstocks in order to identify the most suitable rootstock under warm Mediterranean conditions. Field agronomic performance and foliar nutrient content of the flat peach cultivar ‘Subirana’ grafted on ten different Prunus rootstocks were studied on calcareous soil typical of the Mediterranean area. Ten rootstocks: ‘ADAGAF 04-03’, ‘AGAF 0301-04’, ‘Garnem’, ‘Krymsk^® 1’, ‘Krymsk^® 86’, ‘PAC 847’, ‘PADAC 04-01’, ‘PADAC 150’, ‘PM 105 AD’, and ‘Rootpac^® 70’, were considered. Vegetative growth, chlorophyll SPAD index, leaf mineral status and deviation from the optimum percentage (DOP) index were determined. Leaf chlorophyll content varied depending on the rootstock. ‘PADAC 04-01’ and ‘ADAGAF 04-03’ showed higher chlorophyll index. The lowest SPAD values were observed for the most dwarfing rootstock ‘Krymsk^® 1’, which showed visual chlorosis symptoms, and lower leaf mineral contents compared to the other rootstocks. Peach trees on Prunus rootstocks showed differences in leaf macronutrient and micronutrient content. ‘Rootpac^® 70’, ‘ADAGAF 04-03’ and ‘PADAC 04-01’ had better adaptation under warm Tunisian conditions but high ΣDOP index. The most invigorating ‘Garnem’ had the highest imbalanced nutritional status, but continues to perform well under warm conditions. Interesting results were obtained with ‘Rootpac^® 70’ showing one of the best balanced nutritional values (average ΣDOP index). However, the most dwarfing rootstock ‘Krymsk^® 1’ presented the worst adaptation to the studied warm Mediterranean conditions.     

Effects of rootstock and thinning on yield,fruit quality and elemental composition of ‘Redspur Delicious’ apple

Abstract

Influence of two rootstocks and five levels of hand thinning (fruit spacing) on yield, fruit quality at harvest and after storage, and leaf and fruit elemental composition of ‘Redspur Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were studied. Trees on M.7 rootstock had a higher yield with heavier and firmer fruit at harvest than those on M.26. Trees on M.7 had significantly lower leaf and fruit N which resulted in a darker fruit color than those on M.26 rootstock. Fruit from trees on M.26 had a higher soluble solids concentration (SSC) at harvest than those on M.7. Leaf and fruit potassium (K) increased but fruit calcium (Ca) decreased with an increase in fruit spacing. Thinning fruit to 10 cm or 18 cm spacing, depending on market demand for fruit size, is recommended for improvement of fruit quality. Fruit weight and quality was improved with 18 cm fruit spacing without a significant decrease in yield, while thinning fruit further than 18 cm apart reduced yield without a significant change in the fruit weight or quality.     

Effects of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) scion on arbuscular mycorrhizal and root hair development in rootstock

Grafting is an important process to propagate horticulture plants; however, the mechanism through which the scion affects the absorption of rootstock remains poorly understood. The effects of the scion on AM fungi types in the rhizosphere soil of rootstock and the absorption of mycorrhizal root were determined in this study. Composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, soil assessment, spore density, hyphal length density, glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) content in rhizosphere soil, root hair morphology and AM colonisation rate were measured among ‘Kampong’ avocado rootstocks grafted with five scions and ‘Kampong’ seedling trees. Results showed the main types of AM fungi in avocado seedling trees and trees grafted with five scions were nearly identical. However, the proportion of main genera exhibited differences. In addition, alkali-hydrolysable N, alkali-hydrolysable P and available K in rhizosphere soil, root hair density, AM colonization, spore density, hyphal length and GRSP content suggested the absorption of ‘Kampong’ rootstocks grafted with ‘Monroe’, ‘Wilson seedless’, ‘Hass’ and ‘Tonnage’ possessed stronger absorption than ‘Kampong’ seedling trees because of high AM colonisation and root hair density. This study suggested scions regulated both the AM and root hair development systematically and laid the foundation for future research of AM-enhancing avocado production.     

Foliar nutrient status of field grown tissue cultured and budded Apple trees

Nutrient concentrations in leaves of self‐rooted apple trees propagated by tissue culture (TC) were compared to the same cultivars budded on seedling, MM 106, and M.26 rootstock planted at two sites, Beltsville, MD and Kearneysville, WV. Leaf samples were monitored annually for 3 years after planting for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Zn and Al from ‘Ozark Gold’ and ‘Stayman’ apples at both sites and ‘Northern Spy’ at Beltsville only. Leaf K and Mn concentrations tended to be higher in trees on M.26 and MM 106, while Ca was higher in TC or seedling trees. Foliar Mg was lower in trees budded on MM 106. Variation in P concentrations was greatest over years, while leaf N and Fe displayed only slight variation among rootstocks. Leaf B and Zn did not exhibit any consistent trends and Cu and Al were not affected by year, rootstock, cultivar or site.     

Performance of six European plum cultivars on four plum rootstocks growing in a northern climate

Abstract

The performances of the plum rootstocks Marianna GF 8-1, Pixy, and Wangenheim, compared with St. Julien A as a standard, for the cultivars ‘Avalon’, ‘Edda’, ‘Excalibur’, ‘Jubileum’, ‘Reeves’, and ‘Victoria’ were assessed in a field trial in western Norway at 60° North. Trees were planted in spring 1999; the plant material was one-year-old whips, spaced 2.0×4.5 m and formed with a central leader as free spindles. Tree vigour, yield, fruit size, fruit quality, and yield efficiency were evaluated for the seven subsequent years. Tree size was significantly affected by the rootstocks after seven years' growth. Wangenheim produced the smallest and St. Julien A and Pixy the largest trees as measured by trunk cross-sectional area, on average for the different cultivars. However, Pixy produced significant larger yields per tree for the cultivar ‘Reeves’ than did St. Julien A. ‘Edda’ gave the smallest yield and ‘Avalon the largest. Trees on Pixy were the most yield efficient for all cultivars with the exception of ‘Victoria’. The fruit sizes became little affected by the different rootstocks. ‘Edda’ and ‘Victoria’ produced the smallest fruits and ‘Excalibur’ and ‘Reeves’ the largest. Fruit quality characterized by the content of soluble solids was on average 16.1% and did not differ between trees on the various rootstocks. The cultivar ‘Avalon’ had the highest contents of soluble solids and ‘Reeves’ the lowest. The nutrient levels in the leaves were within the optimum range by the end of the seventh season. Trees on Marianna GF 8-1 had the highest nitrogen and magnesium leaf uptake. In conclusion, St. Julien A and Pixy were the most reliable semi-vigorous rootstocks which induced high yield efficiency and with favourable influences on fruit quality to the six European plum cultivars. Pixy is a good alternative to St. Julien A, with a lower vigour in trees, more precocity, and higher yield efficiency.     

Fertilization of rabbiteye blueberries grown on a typic paleudult soil

A 6 year field study comparing the effects of 5 fertilizer sources applied at 4 levels to 3 rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) cultivars was established on a Typic paleudult soil in southern Misssssippi. Fertilizer sources had little influence on plant height, vigor, chlorosis, or fruit yield. The first year, ‘Tifblue’ was lowest in vigor and fruit yield, but after 4 growing seasons, had the highest plant height and fruit yields. Chlorosis symptoms were more prevalent at the highest fertilization rate, in the cultivar ‘Woodard’, and with Ca(NO₃)₂ fertilizer. During the first 5 years, fruit yields increased as fertilization levels increased from 0 to 5.9 g N/plant but additional fertilization did not influence yields There were no differences in plant vigor due to cultivars but the highest rate of fertilization decreased vigor. The cultivar X fertilization rate interaction was significant for plant height in 1983 and for fruit yields in 1984 and 1985. ‘Delite’ and ‘Woodard’ plant height increased while height of ‘Tifblue’ decreased as fertilization rates increased from the 0 to 5.9 g N/plant levels; higher rates decreased plant height in all cultivars. In 1984 and 1985 fruit yields of ‘Woodard’ and ‘Delite’ were not influenced by fertilization but yields of ‘Tifblue’ indicated a negative response to increasing fertilizer levels.     

EFFECT OF CITRUS ROOTSTOCKS ON LEAF MINERAL COMPOSITION OF ‘OKITSU’, ‘CLAUSELLINA’, AND ‘SILVERHILL’ MANDARIN CULTIVARS

Citrus performance is strongly related with rootstock. This study was conducted to investigate leaf nutrient contents of ‘Okitsu’, ‘Clausellina’ and ‘Silverhill’ mandarin cultivars budded onto sour orange, ‘Carrizo’ and ‘Troyer’ citrange rootstocks in Dörtyol, Turkey in 2004 and 2005. The maximum nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and copper (Cu) contents were determined for ‘Clausellina’; phosphorus (P) for ‘Okitsu’; and sodium (Na) for ‘Silverhill’. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) uptake were similar for the mandarin cultivars. ‘Carrizo’ citrange at N, K, Mg, Mn, and Cu uptake; ‘Troyer’ citrange at N, P, K, and Fe uptake; and common sour orange at Ca, Zn, and Na uptake was superior on the other rootstocks. It was observed that ‘Carrizo’ and ‘Troyer’ citrange rootstocks had advantages over sour orange in nutrient uptake. Thus, growth performance, yield, and quality parameters considered, ‘Carrizo’ and/or ‘Troyer’ citranges could be suggested as rootstocks for the studied mandarin cultivars under similar ecological conditions.     

矮化自根砧红富士幼树对土施15N-尿素的吸收、分配和利用

【目的】 研究不同施氮水平对矮化自根砧红富士苹果幼树氮素吸收、分配和利用的影响,为矮化自根砧苹果园氮素管理提供依据。 【方法】 采用盆栽试验,以2年生矮化自根砧红富士苹果幼树为试材,利用15N同位素示踪技术,研究三个施氮水平下幼树对氮素的吸收、分配及利用特性。试验设三个处理,每千克土施氮 (N) 量为0.1 g (N_0.1)、0.2 g (N_0.2) 和0.3 g (N_0.3),分别在春梢停长期 (6月23日)、秋梢停长期 (8月25日)、养分回流期 (9月20日) 和落叶前期 (10月23日) 取全株样品进行氮的分析测定。 【结果】 至落叶前期,矮化自根砧红富士苹果幼树总干重和根系生物量以N_0.1水平最高。不同氮素水平下,植株不同器官从肥料中吸收分配到的15N量对该器官全氮量的贡献率 (Ndff) 差异较大。氮肥施入至春梢停长期,幼树地上部新生营养器官Ndff值最高;秋梢停长期至落叶前期均以根系的Ndff值最高,同时根部吸收的15N也优先向营养器官运转;树体对氮的吸收征调能力随施氮量的增加而减弱。果树春梢停长期,N_0.1处理树体新吸收的氮素可更为快速地转运至新生器官;春梢停长期至养分回流期,叶片15N分配率最大;落叶前期,N_0.1处理根系15N分配率 (33.8%) 显著高于N_0.2 (17.0%) 和N_0.3 (22.5%) 处理,叶片中约37.6%的氮素回流到树体内。随着生育期的推移,树体15N利用率显著提高,至养分回流期各处理15N利用率为N_0.1(30.0%) > N _0.2 (27.9%) > N _0.3 (21.7%)。春梢停长期至养分回流期,三个施氮水平下树体吸收的15N均占整个生育期氮素吸收的80%或以上。 【结论】 春梢停长期至养分回流期是矮化自根砧红富士苹果幼树氮素营养需求的关键时期,N_0.1处理有利于幼树营养生长和氮素的吸收利用及贮藏,建议生产上应适当控制氮肥的投入,根据果树需肥关键时期合理施用氮肥,满足树体不同生长发育阶段对氮素的需求,提高氮肥利用率。      

Response of apple and pear trees to nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers

Apple (Malus domestica, Borkh) and pear (Pyrus communis, L.) trees responded to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers. In low P soils, leaf, and fruit P concentrations were increased and yield was improved with moderate rates of mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertilizers. Improved fruit quality including fruit firmness, red fruit color of ‘Delicious’ apples, and a lower incidence of fruit disorders of apples (bitter pit) and pears (alfalfa greening and cork spot) was frequently associated with trees that were fertilized with calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] (CN). Although yield was often improved in experiments containing N‐P‐K or MAP fertilizers, long‐term use of N‐P‐K or MAP could be associated with a higher incidence of fruit disorders and a lower soil pH than with CN fertilizer at equivalent rates of N.     

Salinity-Induced Changes in Ion Concentrations of ‘Hass’ Avocado Trees on Three Rootstocks

ABSTRACT

The effect of salinity (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 dS m^{? 1}) on ion concentrations [magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl)] of one-year-old ‘Hass’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) trees on one of three rootstocks [‘Duke 7’ (D7), ‘Toro Canyon’ (TC), or ‘Thomas’ (TH)] was investigated. Concentrations of Mg decreased in roots, stems, and older leaves with increasing substrate salinity. Salinity had no effect on Ca concentration of the trees. Potassium concentrations decreased in roots of all trees and stems of trees on TH. Potassium concentrations either remained unchanged or increased at salinity levels of 3.0 dS m^{? 1} and above in leaves and buds of all trees. Sodium increased in roots and woody organs in trees on all rootstocks. Leaf Na concentrations increased with salinity in trees on D7 and TH, but not TC. Chloride increased in all organs of all trees with increasing salinity, but to the greatest extent in trees on TH and to the least extent in trees on TC. At high substrate salinity concentrations, leaves of trees on TH rootstock had the highest leaf concentrations of Na and Cl, and the highest Na:K ratios. Sodium and chloride concentrations were correlated with necrosis in older leaves of TH, but less so in leaves of trees on TC or D7. Based on percent necrosis in older leaves with increased salinity, trees on TH performed poorest, whereas trees on TC exhibited the greatest salt tolerance. Leaf necrosis was consistently observed at Cl concentrations of 4 mg g^{? 1} or more, and at Na:K ratios of 0.01 or more in older leaves. Chloride concentration and Na:K ratio in older leaves appears to be a useful marker for salinity tolerance screening in avocado rootstocks. The relative tolerance of the various rootstocks appeared to be due primarily to their ability to exclude Na and Cl from the leaves.     

Fruit Production and Nutrient Status in Grapefruit on Five Rootstocks

A trial was conducted during two years (2000/01 and 2001/02) on two sites using ‘Shambar’ grapefruit trees grafted to five rootstocks. The sites were located on the Greek island of Kos to evaluate the effect of rootstock and location on fruit production and leaf mineral composition of ‘Shambar’ grapefruit. Results indicated that yields were higher in 2001/02 than in 2000/01 and these differences were greater at site 2. Leaf nitrogen (N), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and to some degree phosphorus (P) content was slightly deficient to deficient for the majority of the samples taken. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels ranged from normal to high. The copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) leaf contents and the manganese (Mn) content of most samples were in the optimum range. The interactions between rootstock, site, and year upon yield and nutrient content were statistically significant. There were also significant correlation coefficients between yield and nutrient content as well as among the nutrients.     

Effect of rate and source of nitrogen fertilizers on mineral composition of d'Anjou pears

Abstract

Thirteen‐year‐old ‘d'Anjou’ pear trees, Pyrus communis L., were fertilized with 3 rates of ammonium nitrate or 2 rates of calcium nitrate in late autumn from 1978 to 1980. In 1981, mid‐terminal and fruiting‐spur leaves and fruit peel and flesh were sampled for mineral analysis of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. The level of N increased in the above tissues as rate of N fertilizer was increased. In most cases, the levels of N, P, K, Mg, Cu, and Mn in the fruiting spur leaves and fruit were greater in the ammonium nitrate‐treated trees than with calcium nitrate fertilizer. Calcium was higher in the fruit peel and flesh of trees treated with the low rate of calcium nitrate than with the highest rate of ammonium nitrate fertilizer while Ca in the fruiting spur leaves was lower in the calcium nitrate‐fertilized trees.     

Mineral nutrition during establishment of golden delicious ‘smoothee’ apples on dwarfing rootstocks and interstems

This study was conducted to determine the influence of 4 interstems (EM.27 EMLA, Mark, M.9 EMLA, and EM.26 EMLA) and 8 rootstocks (EM.27 EMLA, Mark, M.9 EMLA, EM.26 EMLA, M.7A, MM. 106 EMLA, MM. 111 EMLA, and seedling) with and without interstems on foliar element concentrations [nitrogen (N,) phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), boron (B)] of the Golden Delicious ‘Smoothee’ (Malus domestica, Borkh). The trees were planted in 1990 and the experiment was conducted until 1996. Soil pH was low (pH=5.9) before planting but liming raised the pH to 6.5 by the 4th year after planting. Soil P was adequate, K and Mg were high, and Ca was low based on local recommendations for apples. The year by year variation in foliar element concentrations was much higher than rootstock and interstem effects. Differences among interstems and rootstocks were important as foliar element concentrations approached those of deficiency or toxicity. In this study, K decreased to deficiency concentrations by the end of the experiment except for seedling rootstocks, which slightly increased. Foliar Ca was deficient for all interstems and rootstocks at the start of the experiment, but increased extensively for M.9 EMLA and EM.26 EMLA rootstocks across years. Foliar Mn increased to nearly toxic concentrations (300 μg g^‐1) in EM.27 EMLA and Mark rootstocks, whereas the other rootstocks did not. No deficiency or toxicity symptoms were noted for any elements during this study. These results indicate that a single range of foliar nutrient concentrations can be used as an aid for determining fertilization rates for the apple rootstocks and interstems used in this study. However, individual rootstocks vary in the rate at which they approach toxicity and deficiency concentrations, which needs to be known to prevent mineral nutritional related problems in commercial apple orchards.     

Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Affect Apple Fruit Quality in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are usually found in higher concentrations than other macronutrients in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) fruits and are most frequently associated with changes in fruit quality. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of N and K fertilization on some fruit quality attributes of Fuji apple. The experiment was conducted at São Joaquim, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during 2004 and 2005. A factorial design was used with N and K annual fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg ha^?1 of N and K₂O) replicated in three orchards. Fifteen days prior to harvest, three fruit samples were collected from each treatment and site. One sample was used for total soluble solid content (TSS), titratable acidity, pulp firmness, and fruit color parameter analyses, and the other samples were refrigerated in a conventional atmosphere for 3 and 6 months for subsequent determination of fruit quality. Nitrogen fertilization negatively affected fruit color, flesh firmness, and TSS content. These same variables were positively affected by K fertilization, except for flesh firmness.     

Managing Citrus Trees to Optimize Dry Mass and Nutrient Partitioning

Abstract

Non‐bearing “Hamlin” orange trees on “Swingle citrumelo” rootstock (32 months‐old) grown on a Candler fine sand (hyperthermic, coated Typic Quartzipsamments) were harvested to estimate dry mass, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) accumulation and partitioning into various parts of the tree. The above parameters were evaluated for trees grown under low or high fertilization rates, using either water soluble granular (WSG), controlled release formulation (CRF), or liquid fertilizer delivered through irrigation water, i.e., fertigation (FRT). Trees were irrigated using under tree sprinklers with a wetting area diameter of 3.0 m. Total dry mass per tree followed the order: CRF > FRT = WSG and FRT > CRF > WSG for the low and high fertilization rates, respectively. Effects of fertilizer source on dry mass of individual tree parts followed the above response pattern with few exceptions. Dry mass of tree parts in relation to total tree dry mass decreased in the order: trunk > branch > leaves > roots. Therefore, the woody portion of the tree represented the major proportion of tree dry mass. Total N content in trees varied from 28.4 to 50.4 g and 41.4 to 82.3 g with different fertilizer sources at the low and high fertilization rates, respectively. The tree total N content decreased in the order: CRF > FRT > WSG and FRT > CRF > WSG at the low and high fertilization rates, respectively. Nitrogen in the leaves represented the major proportion of tree N, regardless of N source or fertilization rate. Total K content of the tree was slightly lower than total N content. Effects of fertilization source on total K content was similar to that of total N content. Total P content in trees was considerably lower than that of either N or K content. Fertilization sources and rates had negligible effects on the P content.     

Cold tolerance,yield, and fruit quality of ‘d'Anjou’ pears influenced by nitrogen fertilizer rates and time of application

Low and moderate rates of ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) fertilizer were applied in late winter or late summer to mature ‘d'Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis, L.) trees (planted 1963, 1965) from 1976 to 1994. Data on cold tolerance, nutrition, yield and fruit quality in relation to nitrogen (N) fertilization were collected between 1980 and 1988. Early autumn cold tolerance was higher for trees receiving low N rates versus moderate N rates in either late winter or late summer. In late autumn and early winter, cold tolerance increased for all trees, and little difference in winter hardiness existed for any N treatment. By mid‐winter, cold tolerance was higher for trees receiving the moderate rate of N in late winter versus low N in late summer. Cold tolerance was relatively high throughout autumn and winter freeze‐test periods for trees fertilized with low N in late winter. Tree vigor, fruit size, leaf N, and fruit N were highest for trees receiving the late winter, moderate rate of N. Yield was lowest, but fruit firmness, fruit quality and fruit calcium (Ca) concentrations were highest for trees treated with the late winter, low rate of N. The incidence of cork spot was lower from trees with the late winter, low N treatment than for the late summer, moderate N‐treated trees.     

Influence of Soluble and Slow-Release Fertilizers on Vegetative Growth of Containerized Citrus Nursery Trees

The production system for certified citrus nursery trees in São Paulo State, Brazil, stipulates the use of screenhouses, rigorous selection of rootstocks, and the production of budwood under high standards in order to prevent diseases such as sudden death, Citrus Var, and foot rot (Phytophthora spp.). The establishment of adequate nutritional levels for citrus nursery trees also leads to higher production efficiency in this system. This work was divided into two trials. The first evaluated the influence of certain concentrations and formulas of slow-release fertilizer on the growth of ‘Pera’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) budded on ‘Rangpur’ lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) on two substrates. The development of ‘Rangpur’ lime liners was not influenced by composition of the substrate, nor by the concentrations or formulas of slow-release fertilizers. Substrate composition and formulas, or concentrations of fertilizers also did not affect budded tree growth, except that the greatest root fresh and dry matter were found in plants cultivated with lower concentrations. The second trial evaluated the influence of different soluble and slow-release fertilizers on growth of ‘Valencia’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) nursery trees budded on ‘Rangpur’ lime. Scion length, stem diameter, scion fresh and dry matter, and leaf area were not affected by fertilizer sources. Fertigation induced the greatest development of roots (fresh and dry matter) when limestone was added.     

EFFECTS OF BAG-CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER ON NITROGEN UTILIZATION RATE,GROWTH AND FRUITING OF THE ‘FUJI’ APPLE

Bag-controlled release fertilizer is a new type of controlled-release fertilizer designed to meet the needs of the large individual volume characteristic of fruit trees. The effect of bag-controlled release fertilizer on nitrogen (N) utilization, growth-rate, and fruiting was investigated using ‘Fuji’ apple trees (M. domestica Borkh. cv. ‘Fuji’/M.hupehensis Rhed.). The results showed that the available concentration of nutrients in the soil following bag-controlled release fertilizer treatment (BCRT) was more consistent than when application treatments were broadcasted. The BCRT significantly increased N use efficiency, where this was 2.7 or 1.6 times greater than one or four broadcasted treatments, respectively. Trees treated via BCRT were healthier and had more quality spurs due to more constant nutrient concentration in the soil. With the same application amount, the chlorophyll level and Pn content of BCR-treated trees were steadier and higher than those of broadcasted controls; thus, BCRT significantly increased both yield and fruit quality.