The Role of Mineral Nutrition on Yields and Fruit Quality in Grapevine, Pear and Apple

Abstract

-Fertilization of temperate fruit trees, such as grapevine (Vitis spp.), apple (Malus domestica), and pear (Pyrus communis) is an important tool to achive maximum yield and fruit quality. Fertilizers are provided when soil fertility does not allow trees to express their genetic potential, and time and rate of application should be scheduled to promote fruit quality. Grapevine berries, must and wine quality are affected principally by N, that regulate the synthesis of some important compounds, such as anthocyanins, which are responsible for coloring of the must and the wine. Fermenation of the must may stop in grapes with low concentration of N because N is requested in high amount by yeasts. An N excess may increase the pulp to peel ratio, diluting the concentration of anthocyanins and promoting the migration of anthocyanins from berries to the growing plant organs; a decrease of grape juice soluble solid concentration is also expected because of an increase in vegetative growth. Potassium is also important for wine quality contributing to adequate berry maturation, concentration of sugars, synthesis of phenols and the regulation of pH and acidity. In apple and pear, Ca and K are important for fruit quality and storage. Potassium is the most important component of fruit, however, any excess should be avoided and an adequate K:Ca balance should be achieved. Adequate concentration of Ca in the fruit prevents pre-and post-harvest fruit disorders and, at the same time, increases tolerance to pathogens. Although N promotes adequate growth soil N availability should be monitored to avoid excessive N uptake that may decrease fruit skin color and storability. Index terms: Macronutrients, micronutrients, nutritional status, production, quality. NUTRIÇÃO MINERAL, PRODUTIVIDADE E COMPOSIÇÃO DE FRUTOS DE FRUTÍFERAS DE CLIMA TEMPERADO:VIDEIRA, PEREIRA E MACIEIRA RESUMO -A adubação em frutíferas de clima temperado, entre as quais, videira (Vitis spp.), macieira (Malus domestica) e pereira (Pyrus communis), é realiza quando o solo não possui a capacidade de fornecer a quantidade de nutrientes de que a planta necessitaria, possibilitando às plantas expressarem seu potencial genético. Mas a aplicação de nutrientes na adubação de pré-plantio, crescimento e, especialmente, manutenção pode afetar o estado nutricional das frutíferas, refletindo-se na produtividade e na qualidade dos frutos. Porém, estas informações são dispersas na literatura e, por isso, a presente revisão, sem a pretensão de esgotar o assunto, objetivou compilar e apresentar informações sobre os efeitos de nutrientes na produtividade e na composição de frutos de videira, pereira e macieira. Ao longo do texto, são apresentadas informações sobre o impacto do fornecimento de nutrientes sobre o estado nutricional, a produtividade e as variáveis de qualidade dos frutos, como a cor, tamanho, teor de nutrientes, sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez, pH, antocianinas, polifenóis e desordens fisiológicas, que podem afetar não só a aquisição dos futos pelo consumi...

Nutrients Assimilation and Chlorophyll Contents for Different Grapevine Varieties in Calcareous Soils in the Somontano DO (Spain)

“…Nitrogen would influence juice chemical composition (pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, anthocyanins, and total polyphenols), and organoleptic properties [44]. In particular, total polyphenols normally increase with N and contribute to color intensity, tonality, and taste characteristics of grape and wine [45]. A reduction in soluble solids as a result of excessive growth associated with high N contents may be discarded in this case (because of LIC effects).…”

Non-Destructive Evaluation of the Leaf Nitrogen Concentration by In-Field Visible/Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Pear Orchards

“…However, the positive response of tree vegetative and reproductive organs to added N triggered a higher application of N fertilizer without paying more attention to actual N requirement of trees, which might lead to an excessive N status in pear trees. The over-application of N not only results in vigorous vegetative growth and decreased sugar-to-acid ratio [1], but also increases the risk of nitrate leaching from soil, which contributes to the eutrophication of surface waters and degradation of drinking water quality. An excessive soil N availability in summer may delay fruit maturation, negatively impact the total soluble solids (major component is soluble carbohydrate) in fruit, and decrease plant tolerance to pests and diseases, such as psylla ( Cacopsylla pyri L.) on “Bartlett” and post-harvest blue mould ( Penicillium expansum ) on “Conference” pears [2].…”

Remote Sensing Using Canopy and Leaf Reflectance for Estimating Nitrogen Status in Red-blush Pears

“…N deficiency in pear orchards results in low vigor and reduced yield, whereas N excess causes high vigor and poor fruit quality (Brunetto et al, 2015;Sugar et al, 1992). Timing of the N application is also important.…”