Calcium concentrations in the fruits and leaves of apple tree depending on foliar fertilization

The influence of foliar fertilization on calcium concentrations in leaves and apple fruit tissues ( flesh and skin) has been studied in the field experiment with mature ‘Imrus’ and ‘Sinap Orlovsky’ apple trees varieties in 2011-2015 growing seasons. The experiment was conducted in pedoclimatic conditions of forest-steppe of the Central Russian Upland (Orelregion). The experimental orchard is on loamy grey forest soil with high calcium content 4,8 ± 0,5 mmol/100g. The separate and combined foliar nutrient treatments with Н₃ВО₃ (0,1 %), К₂SО₄ (0,3 %) and СаСl₂ (1 %) were applied five times during the vegetation period. The results showed that meteorological conditions and yield load were the main factors affecting on calcium concentrations in leaves and fruit flesh and skin of both varieties. Foliar fertilization regardless of the calcium presence in the composition of fertilizers to a greater extent changed the calcium content in apple fruit tissues, then in leaves. All treatments one way or another resulted in changing of calcium concentration in fruit tissues, but in different years the contrary effect of the same treatments was observed. The variety ‘Sinap Orlovsky’ (known for its high susceptibility to bitter pit) was more responsive to foliar treatments, than the variety ‘Imrus’. In 2013 fruits of both varieties were remarkable for the least calcium concentrations (3,87±0,25 mg/100 g of fresh wt), and it was two times smaller than in the previous and following growing seasons. In the same year essential increase of calcium concentration in fruits was not observed after foliar fertilization, but some treatments resulted in essential reduce of this index. Despite of high soil calcium content calcium concentrations in leaves were low for both varieties: ‘Sinap Orlovsky’ – 0,75±0,08 %; ‘Imrus’ 1,08±0,14% dry wt. Signi fi cant negative correlations (R= -0,46…-0,34; P<0,05) were measured between calcium contents in leaves and fruit tissues of both varieties.

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