EFFECT OF IRON CHLOROSIS ON YIELD, FRUIT SIZE AND FRUIT MATURITY IN NECTARINE

The effect of iron chlorosis in ‘August Red’ nectarines was studied during the 2003-2004 season in an orchard on a soil with high calcium carbonate (up to 22%), located at Talagante, Chile (lat 33°40’S, long 70°50’W). Four trees with severe iron chlorosis, four with medium chlorosis and four with normal foliage were randomly selected.
Chlorophyll concentration in the leaves was measured (15 leaves per tree) with a SPAD chlorophyll meter.
Yield was recorded at harvest time, and 12 fruits per tree were randomly picked to measure their weight, soluble solids content (SSC) and pulp firmness.
ANOVA and regression analysis were performed.
There were significant differences in chlorophyll concentrations in leaves among the trees, according to their degree of chlorosis.
Yield, fruit weight and SSC were higher in normal trees, while pulp firmness was not affected by iron chlorosis.
It was concluded that iron deficiency lowers leaf chlorophyll, fruit yield, fruit size and SSC, according to the degree of chlorosis present in the tree.
It also delays fruit maturity on the tree.

VI International Peach Symposium

B. Razeto, G. Valdés

lime-induced iron deficiency, chlorophyll, soluble solids content, fruit firmness, iron chelates

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.713.32