EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM NITRATE ON COLD RESISTANCE OF ´CATALOGLU´ APRICOT VARIETY

In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar spray containing potassium nitrate on cold resistance in ‘Cataloglu’ apricot cultivar.
Foliar spray was applied at three concentrations: 1%, 1.5% and 2% by comparison with a control in 1999-2000. The application has been performed at three different stages of the crop: 1. At the end of April, when the seed size reaches that of an olive seed. 2. In May, when the seed shell becomes hardened. 3. In June, 3-4 weeks before harvesting.
With 1.5 and 2% treatment applied in June, local burns were observed on leaves, hence this practice was ceased for the next year.
The flower buds of ‘Cataloglu’ cultivar were exposed to artificial freezing tests for 4, 8 and 16 hours at -10, -15 and -20 °C during December, January and February.
Liveliness ratios were evaluated alter two hours freezing at the stages of bud burst (at -5, -10 and -12 °C), pink cluster (at -4, -7 and -9 °C), full bloom (at -1, -3 and -4 °C), and post bloom (at – 1, -2 and -4 °C). Biochemical analysis of the flower buds sprayed and non-sprayed by potassium nitrate were done.

XII International Symposium on Apricot Culture and Decline

K. Ozturk, H.A. Ölmez, S. Colak, B. Celik

Prunus armeniaca, fertilisation

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.701.127