Articles
Effect of foliar application of geomaterials on pear trees to reduce biotic and abiotic stress
Article number
1457_72
Pages
575 – 584
Language
English
Abstract
Abiotic and biotic stresses increasingly threaten pear cultivation in Italy.
High summer temperatures compromise photosynthesis, transpiration, and sugar distribution, potentially leading to systemic decline in plants.
Additionally, pear production is heavily affected by the spread of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and brown spot (Stemphylium vesicarium), for which conventional control methods are proving insufficient.
To address these challenges, several geomaterials were tested for their effectiveness in limiting fungal development and H. halys presence, while also evaluating their impact on leaf physiological responses.
The results showed that the application of these materials significantly reduced the incidence of brown spot and the presence of H. halys. Importantly, no detrimental effects on photosynthetic activity were observed, indicating that these treatments maintain plant physiological efficiency.
During periods of high illumination and extremely high temperatures, the coverage with geomaterials enabled the plants to maintain higher rates of photosynthesis.
Considering that extremely high temperatures during the 2023 season were frequent, the use of geomaterials has enabled the plants to mitigate thermal stress situations.
In fact, the results of lower late germination and secondary flowering imply a reduction in the overall stress faced by the plants throughout the growing season.
These findings suggest that geomaterials offer a promising approach to reduce pesticide use and enhance the sustainability of pear orchards under increasing environmental pressures.
High summer temperatures compromise photosynthesis, transpiration, and sugar distribution, potentially leading to systemic decline in plants.
Additionally, pear production is heavily affected by the spread of the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and brown spot (Stemphylium vesicarium), for which conventional control methods are proving insufficient.
To address these challenges, several geomaterials were tested for their effectiveness in limiting fungal development and H. halys presence, while also evaluating their impact on leaf physiological responses.
The results showed that the application of these materials significantly reduced the incidence of brown spot and the presence of H. halys. Importantly, no detrimental effects on photosynthetic activity were observed, indicating that these treatments maintain plant physiological efficiency.
During periods of high illumination and extremely high temperatures, the coverage with geomaterials enabled the plants to maintain higher rates of photosynthesis.
Considering that extremely high temperatures during the 2023 season were frequent, the use of geomaterials has enabled the plants to mitigate thermal stress situations.
In fact, the results of lower late germination and secondary flowering imply a reduction in the overall stress faced by the plants throughout the growing season.
These findings suggest that geomaterials offer a promising approach to reduce pesticide use and enhance the sustainability of pear orchards under increasing environmental pressures.
Publication
Authors
V. Giorgi, F. Belluccini, F. De Angelis, F. Manzone, A. Russo, E. Marchetti, M.T. Senatore, L. Governatori, L. Zucchi, D. Neri
Keywords
gas exchange, heat stress, brown spot, Stemphylium vesicarium, brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, Pyrus communis L., yield, fruit quality
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