Seasonal changes in micronutrients concentrations in leaves of apricot trees influenced by different interstocks

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the influence seven plum interstocks ('Belosljiva', 'Dragacevka', 'Stanley', 'Kolenstockzwetsche', 'Wangenheims', Pozegaca' and 'Kapavae) and evolution of leaf micronutrient levels in apricot trees cv. 'Vera' during the two successive vegetative cycle in Western Serbia. The leaf mineral elements analyzed were Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B. Leaf minor elements concentration decreases and increases followed a linear, quadratic and cubic model for the seven interstocks. All interstocks induced low leaf micronutrient concentrations, except B, whose concentration was higher than optimum. According to DOP index and Sigma DOP values, 'Kolenstockczwetsche' interstock showed the best balanced nutritional values. The results of this work should confirm the value of some recommended interstocks for commercial production or to discover within them some new properties.