Seasonal Changes of Mineral Nutrient Concentrations of Leaves and Stems of ‘Kinnow’ Mandarin Trees in Relation to Alternate Bearing
The relationship between alternate bearing and the variation of mineral nutrient content in the leaves and stems of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin trees (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and the effects of these relationships on flower bud formation were investigated. Mineral content was determined in the leaves and st...
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Veröffentlicht in: | International journal of fruit science 2014-01, Vol.14 (2), p.117-132 |
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Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | The relationship between alternate bearing and the variation of mineral nutrient content in the leaves and stems of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin trees (Citrus reticulata Blanco) and the effects of these relationships on flower bud formation were investigated. Mineral content was determined in the leaves and stems of “on” and “off”-year trees at 1-month intervals from November until March, coinciding with the floral bud formation stages of citrus trees. The results showed that the presence of fruits consistently inhibited flower bud formation, decreased the number of sprouting buds, and reduced the vegetative growth of trees. Fruiting state had a significant effect on the content of P, K, and Mg in both leaves and stems, but did not affect the amount of N in these two organs. Leaf and stem P and K contents were greater in “off” than in “on” trees, but Mg content was higher in “on” than in “off” trees. Mandarin fruits were acting as very strong sinks for potassium and phosphorous. Thus, K and P levels in “on” trees decreased to deficient levels, and therefore, a sufficient supply of these two elements is a key to a successful commercial annual production. Seasonal variations in leaf and stem micronutrient contents were neither uniform nor affected by the fruiting state of trees. |
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ISSN: | 1553-8621 1553-8362 1553-8621 |
DOI: | 10.1080/15538362.2013.801678 |