Nutrient element variability of peach trees and tree mortality in relation to cultivars and rootstocks

Abstract

Leaf samples from 12 peach cultivars (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch.) (Early Crest, May Crest, Flavor Crest, Sun Crest, Fayette, Katherina, Loadel, Andross, Everts, May Grand, Firebrite and Fairlane) grafted on four peach rootstocks were analyzed for their nutrient content. The analysis of variance for leaf nutrient concentrations indicated very significant effects and interactions among cultivars and rootstocks. The rootstock effect on the absorption of nutrient elements was higher for Ca, K, P, Mg, N, and lower for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and B. Generally cultivars grafted on GF 677 had higher N, K, Fe, Cu and lower Zn, Mn, and B, while leaves from cultivars grafted on wild seedlings were found to contain higher Mg and lower P, K, Fe concentrations. Leaf B and Ca were higher for cultivars grafted on Sant Julien GF 655/2, while cultivars on Damas GF 1869 had higher P, Zn, Mn and lower N, B, Ca, Cu concentrations. Leaf N was lower for Fayette on all four rootstocks and significantly different from all other cultivars. Leaf P was lower for Everts and higher for Katherina. Lower concentrations were observed in Early Crest for Fe and Zn, in Andross for Mn, and in Loadel for B, while Flavor Crest had higher concentrations of all these elements. Leaf Zn was the highest for Sun Crest on wild seedling and the lowest for Early Crest on the same rootstock. Similarly leaf N was the highest for Katherina on Damas and the lowest for Fayette on the same rootstock. Also leaf Mg was the highest for Fayette on Damas and the lowest for Fairlane on Damas. Peach tree mortality was the highest for Damas 1869 and lowest for Sant Julien. Also tree mortality was highest for Early Crest and Sun Crest and lowest for May Grand, Firebrite, and Katherina. The observed trends in the leaf nutrient composition, as regards the cultivars, rootstocks and their interactions, emphasize the importance of these factors on a new peach orchard establishment and macro-microelement fertilization.