Articles
NUTRITIONAL STUDIES IN LOW-CHILL STONEFRUIT
Article number
409_10
Pages
99 – 108
Language
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted to define the most suitable leaf nutrient sampling times and establish tentative critical levels for low-chill stonefruit in subtropical Australia.
Because low-chill stonefruit have a different phenological cycle and shorter fruit development period, compared with high chill cultivars, leaf sampling procedures and critical leaf nutrient levels established for high-chill cultivars may not be suitable for use with low-chill cultivars.
In subtropical Australia, low-chill cultivars make 2 vegetative growth flushes during the season compared with high-chill cultivars that make only 1. Cultivars may be summer pruned 2 or 3 times.
Leaf sampling is normally carried out when most nutrients have stabilised.
With low-chill stonefruit this appears to be post-harvest, prior to summer pruning or post-harvest topping.
Leaf nutrient levels appear to be less stable during periods of strong vegetative flushing and during stone-hardening.
A small preliminary survey to establish tentative critical levels has indicated that leaf N and K levels for low-chill stonefruit may need to be maintained in the higher optimum range established for high-chill cultivars in Australia or for low-chill cultivars in Florida.
A more intensive survey is currently being conducted to establish critical levels.
Because low-chill stonefruit have a different phenological cycle and shorter fruit development period, compared with high chill cultivars, leaf sampling procedures and critical leaf nutrient levels established for high-chill cultivars may not be suitable for use with low-chill cultivars.
In subtropical Australia, low-chill cultivars make 2 vegetative growth flushes during the season compared with high-chill cultivars that make only 1. Cultivars may be summer pruned 2 or 3 times.
Leaf sampling is normally carried out when most nutrients have stabilised.
With low-chill stonefruit this appears to be post-harvest, prior to summer pruning or post-harvest topping.
Leaf nutrient levels appear to be less stable during periods of strong vegetative flushing and during stone-hardening.
A small preliminary survey to establish tentative critical levels has indicated that leaf N and K levels for low-chill stonefruit may need to be maintained in the higher optimum range established for high-chill cultivars in Australia or for low-chill cultivars in Florida.
A more intensive survey is currently being conducted to establish critical levels.
Publication
Authors
Alan P. George, Robert J. Nissen, Jodie A. Campbell
Keywords
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