Determination of Energy Input-Output Analysis in Plum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus domestica</Emphasis> L.) Production

The aim of this research is to compose the energy input-output analysis of plum in Nevsehir province in Turkey. This research was conducted at the plum cultivating facilities during the 2015–2016 production seasons in Nevsehir province of Central Anatolian Region in Turkey. The agricultural input energies and output energies used in plum cultivation were calculated to determine the energy input-output analysis. According to the research findings, the energy inputs in plum cultivation were calculated respectively 3920?MJ ha^?1 (44.99%) chemical fertilizers energy, 1618.91?MJ ha^?1 (18.58%) diesel fuel energy, 1125.85?MJ ha^?1 (12.92%) chemicals energy, 1069.20?MJ ha^?1 (12.27%) machinery energy, 723.24?MJ ha^?1 (8.30%) human labour energy and 255?MJ ha^?1 (2.93%) irrigation water energy. Production output plum yield were calculated as 12,112.50?MJ ha^?1. The energy output/input ratio, specific energy, energy usage efficiency and net energy calculations were calculated respectively as 1.39, 1.37?MJ kg^?1, 0.73?kg MJ^?1 and 3400.30?MJ ha^?1.     

Chemical and Non-Chemical Thinning Treatments Influence Berry Growth and Composition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cv.</Emphasis> Shiraz Wine Grape (<Emphasis Type="Italic">V. vinifera</Emphasis> L.)

Yield management is important subject in modern grape growing and winter pruning and cluster thinning treatments were used for yield control. Standard cluster thinning is generally labor intensive and expensive method and grape growers try to new methods, which are alternative to cluster thinning for reducing berry set. The goal of the present research was to investigate the effects of chemical thinning treatments such as ethephon (ETH), gibberellic acid (GA₃), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and non-chemical thinning treatments such as early leaf removal (ELR) and standard cluster thinning (SCT) on decreasing grape yield and enhancing berry composition of cv. Shiraz. In this study, percentages of berry set of cv. Shiraz were decreased by both chemical and non-chemical thinning treatments compared to Control. The results from these two different thinning methods shown certainly significant differences in berry composition of cv. Shiraz. Eventually, the best results in improved quality characteristics of cv. Shiraz were obtained from ELR treatment and treatments of ELR, ETH, GA_3, NAA and SCT successively resulted in considerable enhancements in quality attributes of cv. Shiraz.     

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Pistachio (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistacia vera</Emphasis> L.) with Nuclear SSR Molecular Markers

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is considered to be the most widely cultivated species in the genus Pistacia and regarded as the most probable ancestral species within the genus. As one of the oldest nut crops in human history, pistachio nuts have a high nutritional value and are commercially important. In the present study, the genetic variation of pistachio genotypes was investigated by nuclear SSR markers. The transferability of the SSR markers was high across genotypes, thus, flanking regions of the SSRs are conserved in the studied genotypes. High level of polymorphism was detected among the studied genotypes. The seven SSR primer pairs generated a total of 18 alleles that 13 of them were polymorphic among the genotypes. The range of the polymorphic alleles was 1 (for Ptms9, Ptms40, Ptms41, and Ptms42) to 5 (for Ptms7 locus) with an average of 2.57. The amplified allele sizes ranged from 120 to 250?bp. Pair-wise genetic similarity coefficients varied from 0.20 to 0.75. The UPGMA dendrogram differentiated the genotypes into two major clusters. The present results may be used for the conservation, core collection and future breeding of the pistachio.     

Determining the Energy Usage Efficiency of Walnut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans Regia</Emphasis> L.) Cultivation in Turkey

The aim of this study is to reveal the energy balance of walnut in Central Anatolian Region in Turkey. This study has been conducted at the walnut cultivating facilities during the 2014–2015 production season in K?r?ehir, Konya, Nev?ehir and Ni?de provinces of Central Anatolian Region in Turkey, where walnut cultivation is intense. In the study, a total of 28 walnut cultivation facilities, yielding walnut, have been selected through Neyman method and surveys and observations have been performed in these facilities. The agricultural input energies and output energies used in walnut cultivation have been calculated to define the energy use efficiency. According to the study findings, the energy inputs in walnut cultivation are calculated respectively 17,851.33?MJ ha^?1 (74.40%) chemical fertilizer energy, 2229.87?MJ ha^?1 (9.29%) fuel energy, 1640.64?MJ ha^?1 (6.83%) irrigation water energy, 1539?MJ ha^?1 (6.41%) machine energy, 508.02?MJ ha^?1 (%2.11) chemical energy, 180.35?MJ ha^?1 (0.75%) human labour energy and 43.33?MJ ha^?1 (0.18%) farm manure energy. Production outputs have been calculated as 14,679.52?MJ ha^?1. Following the energy calculations, the output/input ratio, specific energy, energy efficiency and net energy calculations have been calculated respectively as 0.61, 30.20?MJ kg^?1, 0.03?kg MJ^?1 and ?9313.02?MJ ha^?1. Benefit-cost ratio was calculated as 1.88, by dividing the gross value of production by the total cost of production per hectare in walnut production.     

Electrochemical Properties and Biochemical Composition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cv. </Emphasis>Shiraz Wine Grape (<Emphasis Type="Italic">V. vinifera</Emphasis> L.) Depending on Various Dose and Application Time of Foliar Microbial Fertilizer Treatments

Utilization from bio fertilization is well known a considerable tool to improve the yield and fruit quality of various crop fruits through the increasing emphasis on maintain of soil health, minimize environmental pollution and decrease the use of chemical fertilization. In this study, in order to improve wine grape quality features of cv. Shiraz, four different doses of foliar microbial fertilizer, including 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000?ppm were applied at two different terms as Term I (mostly; pre-bloom applications) and Term II (mostly; post-bloom applications). However, there were no influences of application terms of foliar microbial fertilizer treatments; treatment doses had considerable effects on yield and quality parameters. The lowest p-values, meaning the highest berry quality, from doses of foliar microbial fertilizer were obtained from 2000?ppm (105.08?μW), 1000?ppm (110.40?μW), 3000?ppm (112.97?μW) and 0?ppm (119.58?μW). Comparing the applications of foliar microbial fertilizer, it was observed that doses of 2000?ppm (3155.56?mg/kg), 1000?ppm (3000.92?mg/kg) and 3000?ppm (2530.19?mg/kg) exhibited higher total phenolic compounds content when compared with 0?ppm treatment (2206.97?mg/kg). Berries from grapevines applied with the doses of 2000, 1000 and 3000?ppm foliar microbial fertilizer respectively shown higher total anthocyanin content such as 1230.19, 1160.85 and 865.86?mg/kg compared to 0?ppm (637.37?mg/kg). As a result, research the findings indicated that 2000 and 1000?ppm doses of foliar microbial fertilizer were obviously effective on wine grape quality features of cv. Shiraz in terms of electrochemical property, total phenolic compounds content and total anthocyanin content.     

Antioxidant Compounds,Nutritional Quality and Colour of Two Strawberry Genotypes from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fragaria</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ananassa</Emphasis>

In this study, average weight, colour, soluble solids content and titratable acidity were determined as quality parameters of strawberry fruits while ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total phenolics, total flavonoids, minerals and trace elements content as nutritional parameters. All these attributes along with the DPPH radical scavenging activity were screened in two strawberry genotypes grown on the same site at the ripe stage. Also, the phenolic profiles of the strawberry fruits were obtained by HPLC. Except colour, results showed no significant differences between cultivars in quality parameters. Ascorbic acid found for ‘Premial’ cv. (81.62?mg/100?g) was twice the amount found in ‘Magic’ cv. (42.15?mg/100?g), total phenolics varied from 207.95 (cv. ‘Premial’) to 249.98 (cv. ‘Magic’) mg GAE/100?g while total flavonoid content in fruits of ‘Magic’ cultivar (79.56?mg/100?g) was 2?fold higher than the one of the ‘Premial’ cv. The quercetin content ranged from 2.72 to 4.66?mg/100?g, whereas free ellagic acid ranged from 6.79 to 9.03?mg/100?g. The pale shiny fruits of ‘Premial’ cv. (higher L*, h^o and chroma index) had a lower total anthocyanin content (19.07?mg CG/100?g) than the bluish fruits of the ‘Magic’ cv. (23.96?mg CG/100?g). An inverse relationship between the levels of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents was also noticed in strawberry samples. Significant differences were found also in minerals and trace elements content of the two strawberry cultivars. The results revealed the importance of genetic background for the content of antioxidant compounds in strawberry fruits.     

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Edible Coatings Effects on Keeping Quality of European Plums (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus domestica</Emphasis> L.) by Laser Light Backscattering Imaging

Fruits of European plum (Prunus domestica L.) show high rates of transpiration. Consequently, they are highly perishable fruit. In the present study, the potential of an edible coating (Versasheen®-based with sorbitol as plasticizer) to improve storage life and keeping quality was evaluated on fruit of the plum cultivars ‘Jojo’ and ‘Tophit plus’. Plums were picked at commercial harvest date and stored at 2?±?0.5?°C (90?±?2% rh) for up to 28?d plus 2?d at 20?°C to simulate shelf life. Every seventh day, plums were analysed for transpiration, colour changes and laser light backscattering imaging (LLBI) at a wavelength of 785?nm to non-destructively investigate variations in quality properties of plums. Finally, fruit flesh firmness, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity were determined destructively. Results indicated that coating of fruit of both cultivars increased their surface resistance against water vapour transfer resulting in lower transpiration rates and thus lower mass losses compared to controls. Consequently, coating of fruit considerably delayed the decrease in flesh firmness. Moreover, edible coating retarded the increase of FWHM785 in coated plums. In this context, FWHM785 proved as a rapid and non-destructive tool to monitor changes in mechanical properties in heavily coloured plums. Results highlight that edible coatings successfully extend post-harvest life of plums.     

A Field Survey of Promising Mulberry (M<Emphasis Type="Italic">orus spp</Emphasis>.) Genotypes from Turkey

In this study the mulberry population in the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolia Turkey was examined with regard to fruit properties. The research material consisted of uncultivated mulberry (Morus spp.) trees. Thirty five mulberry genotypes for table, 6 genotypes for fruit juice, 11 genotypes for syrup (pekmez) and 9 genotypes for drying, were selected, 32 of which belonged to Morus alba, 12 to Morus rubra and 8 genotypes to Morus nigra. Continued and more detailed selection studies with this population of genotypes are necessary to provide material that is suitable for future breeding efforts. It may also be possible to select some of this native material that has sufficient commercial value to justify its release to growers.     

Fruit Cracking in Mango (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mangifera indica</Emphasis> L.) cv. ‘Dashehari’

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) is native to South and Southeast Asia, from where it has been distributed worldwide to become one of the most cultivated fruits in the tropics. It is the national fruit of India. In India, harvest and sale of mangoes take place during March-May and the fruits have high economic value in India. Studies were first time conducted on mango fruits to observe the severity of fruit cracking incidence. The stone was exposed in case of longitudinal type cracking and never exposed in star type cracking. The longitudinal cracking was 3.8, 3.4 and 1.7 % and star type cracking was 0.3, 1.8 and 0.02 % during 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The lesser pulp thickness and higher stone weight in fruit cracked samples may have responsible for fruit cracking. There was a close relationship between fruit cracking and 3 months average weather conditions. The maximum temperature had positive relation with total fruit cracking.     

Evaluation of Pomological and Morphological Characteristics and Chemical Compositions of Local Pear Varieties (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrus communis</Emphasis> L.) Grown in Gumushane,Turkey

The aim of the present research was to investigate the fruit quality of twenty different local pear varieties (Pyrus communis L.), namely Ahlat, Ankara, Arpa, B?ld?rc?n, Çermai, Cinci, Gelin Bo?an, Hac? Hamza, Hah?r, Kabak, K?z?l, Kokulu, Mehrani, Menendi, Sulu, ?algam, Tokat Sultan?, Tur?u, Yaz, and Yaz Meyri?i, grown in Gumushane province in terms of pomological and morphological characteristics and chemical compositions. The fruit mass, fruit width and length, fruit stem thickness and length, fruit kernel width and length, hardness of pulp, number of seeds, leaf width and length, leaf stem length and thickness, and water soluble dry matter (WSDM) of the pear fruits have been determined as pomological and morphological characteristics. On the other hand, the chemical compositions of the pear varieties have been evaluated in terms of protein, ash, sucrose, fructose, glucose, total sugar, titratable acidity, moisture, and mineral element levels.Both pomological and morphological results demonstrated that the local pear varieties are important in terms of rehabilitation studies and detailed selection studies on these local varieties should be performed. The chemical analyses result of the pear varieties revealed that there is no component that may be harmful to human health when consumed, and also these varieties contains the necessary amount of mineral elements.     

Seed Oil Quantity and Fatty Acid Composition of Different Sea Buckthorn (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippophae Rhamnoides</Emphasis> L.) Wild Populations in Iran

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a valuable multipurpose medicinal plant belonging to Elaeagnaceae family. In this study, oil content and fatty acid composition of seed oil from 20 sea buckthorn wild populations of Iran were evaluated in 2014 and 2015. Oil extraction was done using n-hexane solvent in a Soxhlet apparatus and then GC analysis of fatty acid methyl esters was performed. The highest and lowest amount of seed oil content in two years were obtained from Sarein and Kejel populations, respectively (3.88 to 8.63% in 2014 and from 4.07 to 9.66% in 2015). Importance of seed oil is related to it’s highly amount of unsaturated fatty acids. Maximum content of oleic acid cis were existed in Kelavenga (21.19%) on 2014. The highest value of oleic acid trans were related to Shahrestanak (6.34%) in 2015. Maximum content of linoleic acid in 2014 were existed in Baladeh (42.03%) on 2015. The highest linolenic acid content were obtained from Dehdar (30.73%) in 2014. Factor analysis based on PCA revealed, first three components (PC1–PC3) explained 63.86% of the total variation. The first component (PC1) was contributed by some traits such as seed oil percentage, Palmitoleic acid, oleic acid trance and linoleic acid contents with about 29% of total variation. Hierarchical cluster analysis divided the populations into four main groups with high diversity. Wide range of variation across the sea buckthorn populations in seed oil traits could be exploited for selection of suitable genotypes to improvement and commercial exploitation of this plant.     

Influence of BAP Concentrations and Nutrient Medium Composition on <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Regeneration of ‘Öküzgözü’ and ‘Boğazkere’ (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.) Cultivars

This study has been conducted with the aim to determine the type of nutrient medium that can be used in micropropagation studies for ‘Öküzgözü’ and ‘Bo?azkere’ and to specify BAP concentrations. In the study where ejectors with a length of 0.7–0.8?cm that are obtained with single-node culture are used, it was focused on four different nutrient media such as MS, DKW, QL and WPM and on six different concentrations such as 0.2–0.4–0.6–0.8–1.0–1.5 mg l^?1 BAP. Single-node suspension explants which will be used in initiating the culture, are taken into culture in MS nutrient medium and the nutrient medium is supported with 30?g l^?1 sucrose, 6?g l^?1 agar and 1?mg l^?1 BAP. In the trial environment, parameters such as number of shoots, shoot length (cm), number of nodes and callus ratio have been investigated. For both grape varieties, the best outcome was obtained with MS nutrient medium with respect to number of shoots, shoot length, and number of nodes. These values were found as 4.66, 1.24 and 6.39 for ‘Öküzgözü’ variety respectively, whereas they are determined as 6.28, 1.15 and 6.81 for ‘Bo?azkere’ variety respectively. In both grape varieties in DKW nutrient medium, starting from the 2nd week of culture, obscuration began to appear on the shoots and after this stage no other development has taken place.     

Genetic Identification and Conservation of Local Turkish Grapevine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.) Genotypes on the Edge of Extinction

In the second half of the nineteenth century, intensive renovation of vineyards took place due to the losses caused by phylloxera and local varieties were mostly replaced by several worldwide cultivars. Shift in genotypic structure in favor of modern cultivars resulted in the decrease or even disappearance of regionally typical local varieties. A total of sixty five Turkish grape genotypes, including 5 references (four cultivars and one rootstock), were genotyped with 16 SSR and 15 SRAP markers. Sixteen SSR primers generated a total of 60 SSR amplicons in which 43 were polymorphic with 73.4% average polymorphism percentage. A total of 111 well-resolved clear DNA bands were obtained from 15 SRAP primers. Of these bands, 53 were highly polymorphic with an average of 47.74%. Cluster analysis based on pooled marker data generated a well resolved grouping pattern. The analyzed genotypes grouped basing on their geographical belongings. There were many cultivar pairs on the dendrogram most of which occurred between 0.75 and 0.90 levels. SSR and SRAP data revealed a wide genetic variability as well as certain synonyms among the historical grape varieties cultivated for decades in local vineyards lengthwise the mountainous regions of Konya, Karaman and Mersin provinces. All the genotypes have been maintained in a grapevine germplasm glasshouse. Preservation and use of these endangered genotypes will be helpful to avoid genetic erosion and diversity loss in this part of Turkey. Also, the molecular data generated in this study could be of great use in determining the optimal breeding strategies to allow continued progress in grapevine breeding.     

The Response of Soilless Grown ‘Michele Palieri’ (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.) Grapevine Cultivar to Deficit Irrigation Under the Effects of Different Rootstocks

Global warming, altering the physiology and irrigation demand of grapevines, has already been perceived in certain premium viticulture regions across the world. Selection of proper rootstocks for especially new cultivars has vital role for a sustainable viticulture under water-deficit conditions. The grapevine cultivar ‘Michele Palieri’ has been finding a good reception on the global markets. The objective of this study was to determine the response of ‘Michele Palieri’ cultivar to deficit irrigation using different rootstocks with distinct genetic origins. Two irrigation regimes (Full Irrigation [FI] and Deficit Irrigation [DI]) were applied to the vines of different grafting combinations of ‘Michele Palieri’ with Kober 5 BB, Richter 99, Richter 110, 140 Ruggeri, 44–53 Malégue or grown on own roots. Two years old vines were cultivated in 60?L pots containing sterile peat under controlled glasshouse conditions. Irrigations were regulated according to soil water matric potential (Ψm) levels using tensiometers. The volume of the irrigation water that has to be applied to attain 100% field capacity was performed as FI, while 50% of FI was considered as DI. The water was transported directly into the pots by micro-irrigation systems consisting of individual spaghetti tubes. The vines of DI treatment showed visible symptoms of mild water stress (e.?g., loss of turgor in shoot tips), but no defoliation or leaf necrosis occurred. DI treatment reduced the gs of ‘Michele Palieri’ scion cultivar in varying levels depending on the rootstock. DI treatment also affected vegetative growth of the scion cultivar in different levels. For example, the greatest decrease (26.7%) in shoot length resulting from DI was determined in ‘Michele Palieri’/5 BB grapevines, followed by own rooted vines (13.1%), while the lowest change (2.4%) was found in vines grafted on 110?R. Overall findings of this study imply that the rootstocks originating from V. berlandiery?×?V. rupestris hybrids (110?R, 99?R, 140?Ru and 44–53?M) better performed in a similar genetic aptitude under deficit irrigation regime while the rootstock 5 BB (V. berlandiery?×?V. rupestris) showed more susceptible responses. On the other hand, the general response of own rooted vines were better than those grafted on 5 BB. Therefore, the use of one of V. berlandiery?×?V. rupestris hybrids may be a better choice for viticulture under semiarid regions.     

Effects of Iron Sulfate,Zinc Sulfate,Iron Chelate,Powder Sulphur and Humic Acid Applications on Vegetative Growth of Sweet Cherry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus avium</Emphasis> L.)

This study was carried out in ?scehisar district of Afyonkarahisar on ‘0900-Ziraat’ sweet cherry cultivar for two successive years in 2011 and 2012. Ten different applications consisting of 80?g FeSO₄.7H₂O tree^?1, 20?g FeEDDHA tree^?1, 420?mL TK?-Hümas tree^?1, 80?g FeSO₄.7H₂O + 420?mL TK?-Hümas tree^?1, 200?g powder sulphur (S) tree^?1, 80?g FeSO₄.7H₂O + 200?g powder S tree^?1, 25?g ZnSO₄.7H₂O tree^?1, 25?g ZnSO₄.7H₂O + 420?mL TK?-Hümas tree^?1 and 25?g ZnSO₄.7H₂O + 200?g powder S tree^?1 were subjected for determination of their effect on vegetative growth of sweet cherry. In this study, shoot diameter, shoot length, leaf total chlorophyll content, leaf area and leaf iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents were obtained. Shoot length, shoot diameter and leaf area showed general increases in 80?g FeSO₄.7H₂O + 200?g powder S tree^?1 and 25?g ZnSO₄.7H₂O + 200?g powder S tree^?1 treatments.The results clearly indicated that he treatments had different effects on the shoot length and shoot diameter although there was a differences between the experimental years. Particularly, significantly positive effects of the treatments on leaf total chlorophyll was apparent for the second year’s observations. In addition, Fe and Zn concentrations in leaf were markedly increased in response to the treatments.     

Seasonal Changes of Shoot Carbohydrates and Growth Characteristics of ‘Trakya İlkeren’ Grape Variety (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.)

This research was conducted to determine the changes in the seasonal carbohydrates of annual shoots and growth characteristics of 10 years old ‘Trakya ?lkeren’ grape variety. Grapevines are grafted on 5BB and 5C rootstocks and they were grown in heavy clay soil conditions. In the study, changes of sugar, starch and total carbohydrates were determined from bud burst to dormancy. While sugar, starch and total carbohydrates showed significant differences (P < 0.01) there were no differences between rootstocks. Although sugar, starch and total carbohydrates of shoots decreased from bud burst to blooming, they increased thereafter until vegetative growth stopped. Total carbohydrates of annual shoots have been found to accumulate in period from blooming to harvest. Total and mean leaf area, shoot length and diameter, total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a/b ratio showed significantly variation among rootstocks and phenological stages (P < 0.01). Whereas the highest chlorophyll contents were found in the blooming, it was found at the lowest through to harvest. Overall mean and total leaf area, shoot length and shoot diameter, total chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a/b ratio were significantly higher on 5BB grafted vines. In the study, 5BB rootstocks are found suitable in terms of shoot carbohydrate accumulation and growth characteristics for ‘Trakya ?lkeren’ grape variety.     

Determination of Energy Use Efficiency of some Apple (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Malus x domestica</Emphasis>) Production in Turkey: a Case Study of Eğirdir Region

This research aims to make an analysis of energy use efficiency of apple (‘Starkrimson Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’) production in E?irdir region of Turkey, during the production season of 2012. Production data this research was collected in 2013. In order to determine the energy use efficiency of apple, various surveys have been conducted in 71 apple farms, selected through Simple Random Sampling method, located in E?irdir region of Turkey. The data have been collected through face to face questionnaires and first hand observations. The energy input and output values in apple production have been calculated as 34,703.63 MJ ha^?1 and 95,034 MJ ha^?1, respectively. Energy inputs consist of diesel fuel energy by 29.04?%, chemical fertilizers energy by 24.28?%, machinery energy by 15.70?%, chemical energy by 9.84?%, human labor energy by 8.54?%, electricity energy by 5.63?%, irrigation energy by 3.97?%, farmyard manure energy by 2.88?% and lime energy by 0.12?%. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and net energy in apple production have been calculated as 2.74, 1.16 kg MJ^?1, 0.86 MJ kg^?1 and 60,330.36 MJ ha^?1, respectively. The total energy input consumed has been classified as direct, by 47.17?%, indirect, by 52.83?%, renewable, by 15.38?% and non-renewable, by 74.62?%.     

Effects of Sewage Sludge Amendment on Some Soil Properties,Growth, Yield and Nutrient Content of Raspberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubus idaeus</Emphasis> L.)

This study was focused not only at the assessment of effects of different sewage sludge application rates on vegetative parameters and yield of raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) but also heavy metal accumulation in the soil and raspberry leaves. A three-year field study was set up in a completely randomized block design with five sewage sludge application rates (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0?kg of dry matter per plant) and three replications. One-year-old, virus free ‘Heritage’ saplings were used for the experiment. The results of this study clearly indicated that the sewage sludge application is an effective mean for improvement of vegetative growth, yield, soil and plant chemical properties of raspberry in light textured soils. In addition to macro-element contents, sewage sludge application also caused significant changes in micro-element content of soils. No adverse effects of these increases were observed on plants throughout the experimental period. The most effective application rate was found as 7.5?kg per plant for this ecological condition. It can be concluded that when properly treated and applied to farmland sewage sludge is not only disposed economically but also improved vegetative growth and yield of raspberry.