Sweet Cherry dynamics in the absorption and mobility of Calcium and Boron under different boron soil conditions, applied at different times and organs
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Date
2024
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Abstract
Intensive agriculture is characterized by the extensive use of inputs, causing great pressure on the environment. Fertilizer consumption has exponentially increased worldwide, causing serious environmental problems. Fertilization can also affect the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and plant systems. Calcium (Ca) and Boron (B) are essential nutrients for plants. Ca and B deficiencies reduce the quality and fruit set of sweet cherry trees. Several studies have shown the advantages of foliar and soil Ca and B applications in fruit trees; however, there is little information on the distribution of both elements in the plant, which is an important issue when nutritional corrections are needed. This study aimed to determine the effect of foliar Ca application on fruits using a commercial formula of Ca 30 after full bloom, and B absorption, mobility, and distribution in sweet cherry trees, using 10 B applied to the flowers and soil, at different times and under two levels of soil B availability. Three experiments were conducted using sweet cherry trees. In a commercial orchard of Bing, Sweetheart, and Regina cultivars (cv.) with Ca and the second and third in Regina cv. under open-air conditions in the experimental field. In the last experiment, in the previous two seasons, the plants were managed under two soil B availability conditions (deficient and adequate). The experiments consisted of the application of 10 B solution to the flowers and soil at different times and under both soil B conditions. Ca application showed differences between cultivars in terms of firmness in Sweetheart and Regina, but not in Bing. The Ca concentration in fruit tissues only showed an effect in Regina cv. Higher 10 B absorption was observed when 10 B was applied to the soil at full bloom than when it was applied before leaf senescence. Boron was mobilized to all the tissues, but mainly to the leaves. Nevertheless, the fruit presented no differences in 10 B excess for both application timings. Irrespective of soil B conditions, 10 B applied to the soil at full bloom was absorbed and mobilized to different tissues. In conclusion, Ca exhibited different responses in each cultivar. B was absorbed and mobilized regardless of time and organ application. However, the B applied in full bloom was absorbed in greater quantities than that applied before leaf fall.
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Tesis (Doctor en Ciencias de la Agricultura)--Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2024