Articles
THE PHENOTYPIC APPROACH TO TREE NUTRITION
Article number
448_14
Pages
91 – 98
Language
Abstract
Tree nutrition can be considered as a phenotypic result of the interaction of the tree genotype with the environment.
Since fruit trees are generally a complex genetic system made up of a scion and a rootstock, each one with specific characteristics defining the tree behaviour, a double genotype has to be taken into account.
The rootstock genotype, however, plays the most important role, since absorption of water and mineral elements takes place mainly through the roots.
The environmental factors affecting the phenotypic expression of this double genotype include not only the natural conditions of the orchard site, i.e., soil and climate, but also the cultural factors involved in the orchard management.
Thus, the phenotypic expression of tree nutrition is a complex phenomenon whose study requires arduous and long years of observations, not often attractive for the researcher.
Since fruit trees are generally a complex genetic system made up of a scion and a rootstock, each one with specific characteristics defining the tree behaviour, a double genotype has to be taken into account.
The rootstock genotype, however, plays the most important role, since absorption of water and mineral elements takes place mainly through the roots.
The environmental factors affecting the phenotypic expression of this double genotype include not only the natural conditions of the orchard site, i.e., soil and climate, but also the cultural factors involved in the orchard management.
Thus, the phenotypic expression of tree nutrition is a complex phenomenon whose study requires arduous and long years of observations, not often attractive for the researcher.
Authors
R. Socias
Keywords
Fruit trees, breeding, chlorosis, tolerance
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