Macronutrients content in leaves of red raspberry 'Willamette' as affected by foliar fertilization and substrate

Abstract

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivar 'Willamette' has long been most commonly grown raspberry cultivar in Serbia, which is owing to high adaptability of the cultivar to respective agro-environmental conditions. Massive dieback of full bearing plantings is a major problem in raspberry growing hence quality planting material is a must when establishing new raspberry plantings. This study was conducted under protected conditions (in screenhouse) on plants obtained by micropropagation in vitro. Over a two-year period plants were grown on two substrates (Steckmedium, Seedling) and treated with three foliar fertilizers (Wuxal, Murtonik and Ferticare). In terms of macroelements content, the studies suggested nitrogen excess (3.09-3.41%), but also deficiency in phosphorus (0.14-0.20%), potassium (1.25-1.32%), calcium (1.03-1.07%) and magnesium (0.26-0.30%). The assessment of nutritional status of plants by DOP index suggested significant differences in microelements imbalance when different foliar fertilizers and substrates are applied.