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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Foliar applications of fertilizers are an important part of standard fertilization programmes in apples to
optimize the content of nutrients important to growth and fruit quality. In an experiment in plums (Prunus
domestia L.) a foliar fertilization programme was compared to traditional application of fertilizers on the
soil. In another experiment extra magnesium, potassium and the combination of both magnesium and
potassium were compared to control trees given a standard foliar fertilization programme. Yield and fruit
size was registered. Analyses included fruit quality factors, content of major nutrients in fruits and leaves as
well as storability. The effects of the different programmes on yield, fruit size and most fruit quality factors
were not significant. Fruits from trees given foliar fertilizers had, however, higher content of nitrogen
and significantly lower contents of the other major nutrients. The application of extra potassium and
magnesium did not increase the level of these elements, but a significant reduction in the Ca-content was
observed. Accordingly a higher K:Ca-ratio was observed in potassium and magnesium sprayed fruits. Even
though no differences in fruit firmness were observed between the treatments at harvest, after two weeks
of storage the plums from potassium sprayed trees were significantly softer than the controls.
Description
Proceedings of the International Conference “Environmentally friendly and safe
technologies for quality of fruit and vegetables”, held in Universidade do Algarve, Faro,
Portugal, on January 14-16, 2009. This Conference was a join activity with COST Action 924.
Keywords
Fruit analyses Fruit quality K:Ca ratio Leaf analysis Nitrogen Shelf life