Articles
Foliar nutrition improves kernel composition and quality in hazelnut
Article number
1379_33
Pages
237 – 244
Language
English
Abstract
In hazelnut, foliar nutrition has been utilized worldwide to increase microelement deficiencies and optimize their assimilation and effects on yield.
Nevertheless, nut quality and kernel composition can be positively affected by foliar nutrition.
Several studies have pointed out the need for an increasing sustainability of orchard nutrition, by proposing to manage not only micronutrients but also main components such as nitrogen through foliar spraying, but the influence on kernel composition and quality has been less investigated.
In our study, a foliar fertilizer (CD), containing nitrogen and three microelements (B, Zn and Fe) was compared to boron ethanolamine (B), to understand the effect on yield and nut and kernel quality of Mortarella in a three-year trial.
Foliar fertilization affected tree annual vegetative growth, improved kernel weight and decreased the incidence of blanks compared to the control.
Differences in fat, protein, and carbohydrate concentration were also found, with an increased fat concentration and total polyphenol content in the fertilizer treatments.
Foliar fertilization improved oil composition of the kernels, but fatty acid composition responded differently to the nutrient sprays.
Oleic acid concentration was promoted while palmitic acid concentration was reduced in fertilized plants compared to the control.
Furthermore, trees where CD and B fertilizers were applied showed an increased ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids compared to untreated trees.
Finally, foliar spray improved lipid stability compared to control, due to higher total polyphenol concentration.
Nevertheless, nut quality and kernel composition can be positively affected by foliar nutrition.
Several studies have pointed out the need for an increasing sustainability of orchard nutrition, by proposing to manage not only micronutrients but also main components such as nitrogen through foliar spraying, but the influence on kernel composition and quality has been less investigated.
In our study, a foliar fertilizer (CD), containing nitrogen and three microelements (B, Zn and Fe) was compared to boron ethanolamine (B), to understand the effect on yield and nut and kernel quality of Mortarella in a three-year trial.
Foliar fertilization affected tree annual vegetative growth, improved kernel weight and decreased the incidence of blanks compared to the control.
Differences in fat, protein, and carbohydrate concentration were also found, with an increased fat concentration and total polyphenol content in the fertilizer treatments.
Foliar fertilization improved oil composition of the kernels, but fatty acid composition responded differently to the nutrient sprays.
Oleic acid concentration was promoted while palmitic acid concentration was reduced in fertilized plants compared to the control.
Furthermore, trees where CD and B fertilizers were applied showed an increased ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids compared to untreated trees.
Finally, foliar spray improved lipid stability compared to control, due to higher total polyphenol concentration.
Publication
Authors
A. Pannico, M. Giaccone, R. Romano, R. Caputo, C. Cirillo
Keywords
Corylus avellana, nitrogen, microelements, boron, fatty acids, polyphenols
Groups involved
Online Articles (78)