Agronomy

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3 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceEditorial

Editorial: Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees

by Marco Landi and Ioannis E. Papadakis

Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071315 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2274

Abstract

In the era of precision farming, the wise administration of water as well as the correct management of mineral nutrition is of outmost importance to reduce the agricultural inputs [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

Research

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12 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cattle Horn Shavings: A Possible Nitrogen Source for Apple Trees

by Juozas Lanauskas, Nobertas Uselis, Loreta Buskienė, Romas Mažeika, Gediminas Staugaitis and Darius Kviklys

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030540 - 12 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3306

Abstract

The circular economy concept promotes the recycling of agricultural waste. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of cattle horn shavings on apple tree nitrogen nutrition. Ligol apple trees on P 60 rootstock were the object of the study. The experiment was [...] Read more.

The circular economy concept promotes the recycling of agricultural waste. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of cattle horn shavings on apple tree nitrogen nutrition. Ligol apple trees on P 60 rootstock were the object of the study. The experiment was conducted in the experimental orchard of the Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, from 2015 to 2018. Two fertiliser rates were tested: 50 and 100 kg/ha N. Horn shavings (14.1% N) were applied at the end of autumn or at the beginning of vegetation in the spring and in one treatment 100 kg/ha N rate was divided into two equal parts and applied both in autumn and spring. The effects of the horn shavings were compared with the effects of ammonium nitrate (34.4% N) and the unfertilised treatment. The lowest mineral nitrogen content was found in the unfertilised orchard soil and the soil fertilised with horn shavings in the spring at 50 kg/ha N equivalent. In all other cases, the fertilisers increased the soil’s mineral nitrogen content. The lowest leaf nitrogen content was found in apple trees that grew in the unfertilised orchard soil or soil fertilised in the spring with 50 kg/ha N of horn shavings (1.58–2.13%). In other cases, leaf nitrogen content was higher (1.77–2.17%). The apple trees with the lowest leaf nitrogen content produced the smallest average yield (34.5–36.6 t/ha). The highest yield was recorded from fruit trees fertilised with 50 kg/ha N of ammonium nitrate applied in spring or horn shavings applied in autumn (42.4 and 41.4 t/ha, respectively). The influence of horn shavings on the other studied parameters was similar to that of ammonium nitrate. Horn shavings, like nitrogen fertiliser, could facilitate nitrogen nutrition management in apple trees, especially in organic orchards, where the use of synthetic fertilisers is prohibited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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16 pages, 5917 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Linking Mineral Nutrition and Fruit Quality to Growth Intensity and Crop Load in Apple

by Martin Mészáros, Hana Hnátková, Patrik Čonka and Jan Náměstek

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030506 - 8 Mar 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3398

Abstract

Diagnostic of the nutritional status in fruit trees can be estimated using different models. However, these models usually do not fully match the character of the perennial crops and their accuracy needs to be improved. This study aimed at deepening the understanding of [...] Read more.

Diagnostic of the nutritional status in fruit trees can be estimated using different models. However, these models usually do not fully match the character of the perennial crops and their accuracy needs to be improved. This study aimed at deepening the understanding of the aspects controlling mineral content of macro- and micronutrients and fruit quality of the apple trees with respect to the crop load and vegetative shoot growth. The focus was given on description of the nutrient content variability in time and space, its relation to important physiological events, and conditions altering their gradient in leaf and fruit. The evaluation was carried out with six years old ’Golden Delicious’ apple trees on M9, planted in an experimental orchard. Flowering rate, total yield, shoot growth intensity, mean fruit weight and quality along with mineral content of leaves, and fruit in different development stages were analysed according to intensity of natural or regulated flowering and fruit set, respectively. We found that aside of macroelements, iron, and manganese depended on the crop load. For nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content, their gradient increased up to 10–25% within the sufficiency range as the trees tried to maintain certain level of these nutrients in leaves and fruit simultaneously during deficit. In contrary, the higher content of Mg, Fe, and Mn related to the avoidance of deficit through up to 20–30% higher uptake in trees with higher crop load. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium content in short fruiting shoots was more stage dependent, showing relation with the timing of cessation of particular meristematic growth activity. If no intense deficit occurred, the trees kept unrestricted initial investment of nutrients in the fruit during cell division stage whatever the crop load was. Their content at the later development stages appeared to be more dependent upon the consumption by particular sink. These findings allowed to improve the interpretation of the fruit trees nutrition status due to adaptation of the reference nutrient content in low cropping trees by a reduction of 5–10% N and P, 10–15% Ca, as well as by an increase of 15–20% K content in leaves at the stage with fruit size of 20 mm, and without change in P content at the stage of about 70% of final fruit size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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19 pages, 2045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Growing Media pH on Performance of Huanglongbing-Affected Young Citrus Trees

by Faisal Shahzad, Davie M. Kadyampakeni and Tripti Vashisth

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030439 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2933

Abstract

Since the advent of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, Florida’s citrus production has dropped by 70%. HLB-affected trees decline rapidly under high pH growing conditions. Limited nutrient availability at high soil pH has been speculated to be the cause of such rapid decline in HLB-affected [...] Read more.

Since the advent of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, Florida’s citrus production has dropped by 70%. HLB-affected trees decline rapidly under high pH growing conditions. Limited nutrient availability at high soil pH has been speculated to be the cause of such rapid decline in HLB-affected trees; however, such decline is not observed in healthy citrus trees. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand the nutrient uptake, physiological, and molecular responses of healthy (HLY) and HLB-affected (HLB) sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) trees when grown in media maintained at different pH levels 6.0, 7.0, or 8.0. Overall, the performance of HLY and HLB trees decreased with the increase in pH conditions. HLB trees showed a significant inverse correlation between growth parameters (leaf number, shoot growth, SPAD value, stem water potential) and growing media pH whereas no such correlation was observed for HLY trees. Interesting, superior performance of HLB trees at pH 6.0 coincided with higher accumulation of Fe, Mn, and N in whole plant body as compared to high pH treatments. In contrast, HLY tree performance was significantly better at pH 7.0 compared to other pH conditions. At pH 7.0, stress related genes were upregulated in HLB leaves as compared to HLY leaves, indicating the stress response in terms of leaf abscission, reduced growth, and natural aging process was exacerbated in HLB trees at higher pH treatments. Altogether, all the physiological and molecular observations supports an interaction between HLB trees and pH, where HLB trees at pH 6.0 perform better than at higher pH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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17 pages, 1547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Partitioning in Young “Julyprince” Peach Trees Grown with Different Irrigation and Fertilization Practices in the Southeastern United States

by Bruno Casamali, Marc W. van Iersel and Dario J. Chavez

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020350 - 15 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2979

Abstract

Fertilizer recommendations for peach cultivation in the southeastern United States were developed decades ago and may not reflect the peach trees’ needs under current cultivation practices. Adequate fertilization for young peach trees induces a balanced vegetative/reproductive growth, ensures efficient resource use, and is [...] Read more.

Fertilizer recommendations for peach cultivation in the southeastern United States were developed decades ago and may not reflect the peach trees’ needs under current cultivation practices. Adequate fertilization for young peach trees induces a balanced vegetative/reproductive growth, ensures efficient resource use, and is environmentally sound. Droughts in the region are becoming more common. Supplemental irrigation for peaches from the time of field establishment serves as insurance in case drought conditions occur and can increase/advance the yield of young peach trees. Our objective was to determine the influence of different fertilizer levels (25, 50, 100, and 200% of the recommended rate), irrigation levels (irrigated vs. non-irrigated), and irrigation systems (drip vs. micro-sprinkler) on nitrogen partitioning and concentration in different organs of young peach trees. The cumulative nitrogen (N) removal per tree was not affected by the different fertilizer levels. Most of the N allocation was accounted for by summer pruning and defoliation (68% of the total N removed). Irrigated trees had higher cumulative N removal after three years than non-irrigated trees, with differences between irrigated vs. non-irrigated trees in most vegetative removal events (winter and summer pruning, and defoliation). Drip-irrigated trees had higher cumulative N removal after three years than micro-sprinkler-irrigated tress, with differences in N removal found in vegetative and reproductive removal events. Differences in N removal were mainly driven by differences in dry weight rather than the N concentration of the organs. These results suggest that different fertilizer levels did not alter the N partitioning in young peach trees, indicating that reduction in fertilizer applications can be done without negative effects. Furthermore, irrigation induced greater vegetative growth, especially under drought conditions, which may result in greater canopy volume and fruit yield compared to non-irrigated trees. Differences between irrigation systems are not consistent; however, drip is more efficient than micro-sprinkler irrigation, with ~38% water savings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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16 pages, 12190 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Rootstocks on Blade Nutritional Content of Two Minority Grapevine Varieties Cultivated under Hyper-Arid Conditions in Northern Chile

by Nicolás Verdugo-Vásquez, Gastón Gutiérrez-Gamboa, Emilio Villalobos-Soublett and Andrés Zurita-Silva

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020327 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2444

Abstract

In the 90s, as in other countries, transformation of Chilean viticulture brought about the introduction and spread of European grapevine varieties which has resulted in a massive loss of minor local and autochthonous grapevine varieties traditionally grown in several wine growing regions. Fortunately, [...] Read more.

In the 90s, as in other countries, transformation of Chilean viticulture brought about the introduction and spread of European grapevine varieties which has resulted in a massive loss of minor local and autochthonous grapevine varieties traditionally grown in several wine growing regions. Fortunately, in recent years, autochthonous and minority varieties have been revalued due to their high tolerance to pests and diseases and because of their adaptation to thermal and water stress triggered by global warming. In this study, we assessed the nutritional status of two autochthonous grapevines grafted onto four different rootstocks under the hyper-arid climatic conditions of Northern Chile over three consecutive seasons. The results showed that R32 rootstock induced high N, P, Ca, Mg and Mn levels in blades compared to Harmony rootstock. R32 rootstock and to a lesser extent, 1103 Paulsen and 140 Ruggeri rootstocks kept balanced levels of nutrients in blades collected from Moscatel Amarilla and Moscatel Negra grapevine varieties. Additionally, Harmony presented slight nutritional imbalance compared to the rest of studied rootstocks due to its low absorption of Mg, Mn, Ca and P, and its high K absorption, which was exacerbated under warm weather and salinity soil conditions. These results may provide a basis for specific cultivar/rootstock/site combinations, a nutritional guide for the viticulturists of Northern Chile, and options to diversify their production favoring the use of minority and autochthonous varieties that adapt well to hyper-arid conditions of Northern Chile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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13 pages, 3966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Agronomic Fertilization Practices That Influence Yield of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) in the Ecuadorian Amazon

by William Viera, Alejandra Díaz, Carlos Caicedo, Alfonso Suárez and Yadira Vargas

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020310 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3166

Abstract

An application of a balanced nutrition will improve the soil as well as enhance the yield of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) grown in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A field experiment was carried out in Palora, 16 de Agosto (Morona Santiago province) and Fátima [...] Read more.

An application of a balanced nutrition will improve the soil as well as enhance the yield of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) grown in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A field experiment was carried out in Palora, 16 de Agosto (Morona Santiago province) and Fátima (Pastaza province) to find which variables are related with the yield of the naranjilla crop and the yield response when the crop receives complete nutrition with N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S plus lime and with the omission of each of these nutrients. A Random Complete Block Design with three replications was used in the three environments. The naranjilla crop had higher yields (18.14 Mg ha⁻¹) in the complete treatments (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and without S and Mg, consequently, these two last nutrients did not limit the production. When N, P, K, and Ca were not applied, the yields fell to 14.62 Mg ha⁻¹. The main environmental effect showed that Palora had the highest fruit yields (19.73 Mg ha⁻¹), followed by 16 de Agosto (13.57 Mg ha⁻¹) and finally Fátima with 11.04 (Mg ha⁻¹). These preliminary results showed that with the treatments without S (18.55 Mg ha⁻¹), without Mg (18.42 Mg ha⁻¹) and complete (17.46 Mg ha⁻¹) the highest yields were obtained, consequently, the production was not affected by the absence of these elements; the opposite happened when N, P, K, and Ca were not present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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8 pages, 226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Calcium Fertilizers Impact on Several Fruit Quality Characteristics and Leaf and Fruit Nutritional Status of the ‘Hayward’ Kiwifruit Cultivar

by Thomas Sotiropoulos, Antonios Voulgarakis, Dionisios Karaiskos, Theocharis Chatzistathis, Ioannis Manthos, Olga Dichala and Areti Mpountla

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020235 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3084

Abstract

Calcium preharvest application influences fruit quality. The impact of preharvest foliar sprays using several commercial fertilizers with Ca content on the fruit quality and nutritional status of the kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ was investigated for a 2-year period. Fruit flesh firmness increased under all [...] Read more.

Calcium preharvest application influences fruit quality. The impact of preharvest foliar sprays using several commercial fertilizers with Ca content on the fruit quality and nutritional status of the kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ was investigated for a 2-year period. Fruit flesh firmness increased under all Ca sprays compared to the control. Total soluble solids and acidity were not altered significantly by any of the studied Ca products. Treatment differences with regard to fruit firmness, soluble solids concentration and acids at harvest were maintained during cold storage for 2 and 4 months. Foliar sprays did not affect the N, P, K, Mg, B, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations of leaves and fruits. However, all treatments increased the concentration of Ca in leaves and fruits compared to the control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

17 pages, 2305 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exogenous Application of Mg, Zn and B Influences Phyto-Nutritional Composition of Leaves and Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

by Muhammad Moaaz Ali, Raheel Anwar, Muhammad Waleed Shafique, Ahmed Fathy Yousef and Faxing Chen

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020224 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2711

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the level of macronutrients (Na, Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), and heavy metals (Cd, As, Hg, Pb) in loquat [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the level of macronutrients (Na, Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), and heavy metals (Cd, As, Hg, Pb) in loquat leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp, and seed) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). The results revealed that the foliar application of Mg increased the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, and Mn in fruit pulp; and Na, K, B, Mo, Co, Ni, and Cu in seeds. Zinc increased Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Fe, Co and Ni in fruit peel; K, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na and K in seeds. Similarly, B application increased the concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, and B in leaves; Ca and Ni in fruit peel; Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Co, and Ni in loquat seeds. Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquats were greatly influenced by the application of Mg, Zn and B. Although heavy metal concentrations in fruit pulp were increased by the foliar application of B, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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14 pages, 1726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zeolite and Vermiculite as Inorganic Soil Amendments Modify Shoot-Root Allocation, Mineral Nutrition, Photosystem II Activity and Gas Exchange Parameters of Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill) Plants

by Theocharis Chatzistathis, Evgenia Papaioannou, Anastasia Giannakoula and Ioannis E. Papadakis

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010109 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4609

Abstract

One of the most challenging topics for the sustainable agriculture is how to decrease high fertilization rates. A pot experiment, exploring the effects of zeolite (ZEO) and/or vermiculite (VER) as soil amendments, comparing to the soil application of a controlled release fertilizer (CRF), [...] Read more.

One of the most challenging topics for the sustainable agriculture is how to decrease high fertilization rates. A pot experiment, exploring the effects of zeolite (ZEO) and/or vermiculite (VER) as soil amendments, comparing to the soil application of a controlled release fertilizer (CRF), was realized in chestnut plants. Various parameters related to soil fertility, and plant growth, nutrition, and physiology were investigated to gain knowledge towards more sustainable management. After ZEO application and in comparison to CRF, an impressive boost in soil K was achieved. Moreover, soil P and Zn levels were higher in the VER-treated soil, compared to CRF. Leaf K and Ca concentrations were significantly higher in ZEO, compared to the VER treatment; the highest foliar N and Zn concentrations were measured in CRF and VER, respectively. However, significantly lower foliar Mn and Cu were found in VER. The highest root biomass produced in the ZEO treated plants. For most nutrients, their total uptake per plant was higher in CRF and ZEO. Finally, photosynthetic rates were higher in VER (mainly due to non-stomatal factors) and CRF (mainly due to stomatal factors). Our data open a discussion towards the application of ZEO and/or VER as soil amendments in chestnut nurseries and orchards, aiming at partially decreasing fertilization rates and boosting sustainable nutrient management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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19 pages, 3577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Salt Tolerance Mechanisms Present in Date-Plum Persimmon Rootstock (Diospyros lotus L.)

by Francisco Gil-Muñoz, Nicolas Delhomme, Ana Quiñones, Maria del Mar Naval, Maria Luisa Badenes and M. Rosario García-Gil

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111703 - 3 Nov 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2738

Abstract

Agriculture needs solutions for adapting crops to increasing salinity globally. Research on physiological and molecular responses activated by salinity is needed to elucidate mechanisms of salinity tolerance. Transcriptome profiling (RNA-Seq) is a powerful tool to study the transcriptomic profile of genotypes under stress [...] Read more.

Agriculture needs solutions for adapting crops to increasing salinity globally. Research on physiological and molecular responses activated by salinity is needed to elucidate mechanisms of salinity tolerance. Transcriptome profiling (RNA-Seq) is a powerful tool to study the transcriptomic profile of genotypes under stress conditions. Persimmon species have different levels of tolerance to salinity, this variability may provide knowledge on persimmon species and development of salt--tolerant rootstocks. In this study, we conducted a physiological and transcriptomic profiling of roots and leaves in tolerant and sensitive plants of persimmon rootstock grown under saline and control conditions. Characterization of physiological responses along with gene expression changes in roots and leaves allowed the identification of several salt tolerance mechanisms related to ion transport and thermospermine synthesis. Differences were observed in putative H+/ATPases that allow transmembrane ionic transport and chloride channel protein-like genes. Furthermore, an overexpression of thermospermine synthase found in the roots of tolerant plants may indicate that alterations in root architecture could act as an additional mechanism of response to salt stress. These results indicate that Diospyros lotus L. exhibits genetically-controlled variability for salt tolerance traits which opens potential opportunities for breeding salt-tolerant persimmon rootstocks in a Mediterranean environment challenged by drought and salinity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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13 pages, 1949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Relationships in Bitter Pit-Affected Fruit and the Feasibility of Vis-NIR Models to Determine Calcium Concentration in ‘Fuji’ Apples

by Claudia Bonomelli, René Mogollón, Sergio Tonetto de Freitas, Juan Pablo Zoffoli and Carolina Contreras

Agronomy 2020, 10(10), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101476 - 27 Sep 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3707

Abstract

‘Fuji’ is among the most cultivated apples worldwide but affected by the disorder bitter pit (BP). Calcium deficiency plays an important role on fruit susceptibility to BP. The objectives of this study were to determine nutritional relationships in BP-affected fruit and to verify [...] Read more.

‘Fuji’ is among the most cultivated apples worldwide but affected by the disorder bitter pit (BP). Calcium deficiency plays an important role on fruit susceptibility to BP. The objectives of this study were to determine nutritional relationships in BP-affected fruit and to verify if Vis-NIR models can predict Ca concentration in ‘Fuji’ apples. Fruit was harvested during 2018 season from two different orchards with historical high BP incidence. Seven hundred and fifty apples were stored at 0 °C for 150 days plus 10 days at 20 °C for BP assessments. After storage, 20 fruit with BP symptoms (BP+) and 20 healthy fruit (BP−) were assessed individually for mineral concentration. Vis-NIR evaluation involved a spectra range from 285 to 1200 nm to predict Ca concentration from ‘Fuji’ powder enriched Ca solutions. In each orchard, healthy apples had significantly higher Ca concentration than apples with BP. The K/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios were significantly lower in healthy fruit compared with BP− affected fruit. The relationship B/Ca proved to be significant in BP fruit. Although Ca interaction with organic substances and/or cellular structures could influence NIR spectra in fresh fruit, our results showed that Vis-NIR models could not be used to direct prediction of fruit Ca concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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14 pages, 2229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Precise Fertilization by a Mass-Balance of the Seasonal Changes in Nutrient Uptake by Almond Trees

by Or Sperling, Ranjith Karunakaran and Uri Yermiyahu

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091277 - 28 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3741

Abstract

Mineral fertilization through irrigation (fertigation) could optimize resource allocation and eliminate wastes in agriculture. Nevertheless, the fertigation of almond plantations is currently inefficient (50% nitrogen (N) recovery by yields) due to the limited empirical data to support field applications. For precise fertigation in [...] Read more.

Mineral fertilization through irrigation (fertigation) could optimize resource allocation and eliminate wastes in agriculture. Nevertheless, the fertigation of almond plantations is currently inefficient (50% nitrogen (N) recovery by yields) due to the limited empirical data to support field applications. For precise fertigation in horticulture, we aimed to determine the trees’ actual mineral uptake. We hypothesized that the mineral requirements depend on physiological development and would vary during the growing season as phenology shifts. To investigate this, we tracked the water, N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) mass-balances of almond trees in 1 m³ lysimeters and monitored their physiological performances. By canopy coverage (leaf area index—LAI)) and radial stem growth, we determined that almond trees invest in biomass between April and July (northern hemisphere). Then, for August until November, the almond trees accumulated metabolites and minerals for the succeeding winter dormancy. Annually, almond trees can utilize major N applications (~180 kg h⁻¹) in early summer for vegetative growth, extract P (~50 kg h⁻¹) by mid-summer for metabolic translocations, and accumulate K (>250 kg h⁻¹) in late summer, possibly for osmotic compensations. Converting these realizations for farm conditions requires the further characterization of the mineral availability at the root zone, and the nutritional status of trees, under various field fertigation applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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23 pages, 2695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Humboldtian Diagnosis of Peach Tree (Prunus persica) Nutrition Using Machine-Learning and Compositional Methods

by Debora Leitzke Betemps, Betania Vahl de Paula, Serge-Étienne Parent, Simone P. Galarça, Newton A. Mayer, Gilmar A.B. Marodin, Danilo E. Rozane, William Natale, George Wellington B. Melo, Léon E. Parent and Gustavo Brunetto

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060900 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3873

Abstract

Regional nutrient ranges are commonly used to diagnose plant nutrient status. In contrast, local diagnosis confronts unhealthy to healthy compositional entities in comparable surroundings. Robust local diagnosis requires well-documented data sets processed by machine learning and compositional methods. Our objective was to customize [...] Read more.

Regional nutrient ranges are commonly used to diagnose plant nutrient status. In contrast, local diagnosis confronts unhealthy to healthy compositional entities in comparable surroundings. Robust local diagnosis requires well-documented data sets processed by machine learning and compositional methods. Our objective was to customize nutrient diagnosis of peach (Prunus persica) trees at local scale. We collected 472 observations from commercial orchards and fertilizer trials across eleven cultivars of Prunus persica and six rootstocks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The random forest classification model returned an area under curve exceeding 0.80 and classification accuracy of 80% about yield cutoff of 16 Mg ha⁻¹. Centered log ratios (clr) of foliar defective compositions have appropriate geometry to compute Euclidean distances from closest successful compositions in “enchanting islands”. Successful specimens closest to defective specimens as shown by Euclidean distance allowed reaching trustful fruit yields using site-specific corrective measures. Comparing tissue composition of low-yielding orchards to that of the closest successful neighbors in two major Brazilian peach-producing regions, regional diagnosis differed from local diagnosis, indicating that regional standards may fail to fit local conditions. Local diagnosis requires well-documented Humboldtian data sets that can be acquired through ethical collaboration between researchers and stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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17 pages, 32522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Salt Stress on Growth, Photosynthesis, and Mineral Nutrients of 18 Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Cultivars

by Cuiyu Liu, Xueqing Zhao, Junxin Yan, Zhaohe Yuan and Mengmeng Gu

Agronomy 2020, 10(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10010027 - 23 Dec 2019

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 7923

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is widely grown in arid and semiarid regions, where the salinization may have developed through irrigation. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate NaCl stress on growth, photosynthesis, and nutrients of 18 pomegranate cultivars. One group was irrigated [...] Read more.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is widely grown in arid and semiarid regions, where the salinization may have developed through irrigation. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate NaCl stress on growth, photosynthesis, and nutrients of 18 pomegranate cultivars. One group was irrigated twice a week with a nutrient solution. The other group was watered twice a week with the same nutrient solution and 200 mM NaCl for five weeks. Dry weight, shoot length, new shoot number, root length and number, leaf area, leaf relative water content, and net photosynthesis of salt-treated plants were negatively impacted by salt stress, and there was a significant difference among cultivars. Few foliar damages were observed. Na content of plants significantly increased in all cultivars, while P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Si, Al, Zn content of plants decreased under salt stress. Fe, Mn, and Cu content increased in most cultivars. Pomegranate accumulated supraoptimal Na mostly in roots and transported more K and Ca to shoots, which was attributed to maintaining a higher ratio of K/Na and Ca/Na in the aerial part of plants. Ten of the 18 cultivars were considered salt-tolerant, which would offer a reference for pomegranate cultivation on saline lands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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11 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Soil Type on Calcium Absorption and Partitioning in Young Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Trees

by Claudia Bonomelli, Pilar M. Gil and Bruce Schaffer

Agronomy 2019, 9(12), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9120837 - 3 Dec 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5232

Abstract

A two-year study was conducted to determine how soil texture affects calcium (Ca) absorption and partitioning in potted ‘Hass’ avocado trees. Trees were planted in 200 L pots in one of four soil types: clay (C), clay loam (CL), sandy loam (SL) or [...] Read more.

A two-year study was conducted to determine how soil texture affects calcium (Ca) absorption and partitioning in potted ‘Hass’ avocado trees. Trees were planted in 200 L pots in one of four soil types: clay (C), clay loam (CL), sandy loam (SL) or sand (S). Prior to planting, Ca content in each soil was in the normal range of availability, although the Ca concentration was highest in C soil. After two years of tree development, dry weights of shoots and roots were significantly higher in the SL and S soils than in C soil. Trees in the C soil had higher wood dry weight than trees in SL or S soils. The Ca contents (absolute quantities, not concentrations) in the roots, shoots and whole tree were significantly lower in the C soil than in the SL or S soils. The K/Ca ratio of trees in the C soil (K/Ca = 1.5) was significantly higher than that in the other soil types. Stem water potential was significantly lower for trees in the C soil compared to the other soils. These results indicate that Ca absorption and partitioning in young avocado trees varies with soil texture, probably associated with soil effects on root growth and/or plant water status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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12 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visual Symptoms, Vegetative Growth, and Mineral Concentration in Fig Tree (Ficus carica L.) Under Macronutrient Deficiencies

by Carlos Alberto Garza-Alonso, Emilio Olivares-Sáenz, Adriana Gutiérrez-Díez, Rigoberto E. Vázquez-Alvarado and Alfredo López-Jiménez

Agronomy 2019, 9(12), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9120787 - 22 Nov 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 26028

Abstract

The common fig is an edible fruit which is appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics and high commercial value. Several factors, including mineral nutrition, affect fig production. Macronutrients fulfill specific functions in the metabolism of plants, affecting some functions when they are at low [...] Read more.

The common fig is an edible fruit which is appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics and high commercial value. Several factors, including mineral nutrition, affect fig production. Macronutrients fulfill specific functions in the metabolism of plants, affecting some functions when they are at low levels. So, in the present investigation, the visual symptoms of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies were identified and characterized, as well as their effects on vegetative growth and the concentration of minerals in fig tree tissues, using the missing element technique in a controlled hydroponic system. N was the element that most affected vegetative growth, causing smaller stem diameter, leaf area, and dry weight. Treatments without P and K followed. In addition, significant differences were found in the mineral concentration in leaf, stem, and root, with various interactions of antagonism and synergism observed according to the absence of each element. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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17 pages, 1767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boron Excess Imbalances Root/Shoot Allometry, Photosynthetic and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters and Sugar Metabolism in Apple Plants

by Alexia Oikonomou, Evangelia-Vasiliki Ladikou, Georgia Chatziperou, Theoni Margaritopoulou, Marco Landi, Thomas Sotiropoulos, Fabrizio Araniti and Ioannis E. Papadakis

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110731 - 8 Nov 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4522

Abstract

Boron (B) excess frequently impair plant performances and their productivity; in particular in arid and semi-arid environments. In the present experiment; hydroponically-grown ‘Granny Smith’ apple plants grafted on M9 rootstock were treated with optimal (25 μΜ) or excess (400 μΜ) B for 116 [...] Read more.

Boron (B) excess frequently impair plant performances and their productivity; in particular in arid and semi-arid environments. In the present experiment; hydroponically-grown ‘Granny Smith’ apple plants grafted on M9 rootstock were treated with optimal (25 μΜ) or excess (400 μΜ) B for 116 days to evaluate allometric responses of plants to B toxicity and to highlight physiological (photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence) and biochemical (pigment content and sugar metabolism) responses of apple plants to B excess. Boron accumulated principally in top > middle > basal stems and leaves of high-B-stressed plants. Notably, the stem dramatically accumulated a higher level of B, as an attempt to preserve leaves, especially the youngest from further B accumulation. B accumulation seriously affected photosynthesis of younger leaves and caused both stomata (reduced stomatal conductance) and biochemical (reduction of apparent CO₂ use efficiency and pigment content) limitations and altered the photochemistry and energy partitioning in photosystem II. Boron excess altered leaf sugar proportion; increasing the accumulation of non-translocating sugars such as glucose and fructose. Our dataset adds knowledge on the effect of B excess in apple tree and poses serious concerns about the possible effect of B in altering sugar metabolism; which, in turn, can strongly affect fruit production of this worldwide-cropped species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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15 pages, 2740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin Stimulates Activities and Expression Level of Antioxidant Enzymes and Preserves Functionality of Photosynthetic Apparatus in Hickory Plants (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) under PEG-Promoted Drought

by Junfeng Wang, Juanjuan Chen, Anket Sharma, Shenchen Tao, Bingsong Zheng, Marco Landi, Huwei Yuan and Daoliang Yan

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110702 - 31 Oct 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3864

Abstract

Nowadays, drought is one of the major abiotic factors which negatively affects growth and development of several fruit tree species, including Chinese hickory plants (Carya cathayensis Sarg.). The present investigation was conducted to study the possible positive effects of melatonin in drought [...] Read more.

Nowadays, drought is one of the major abiotic factors which negatively affects growth and development of several fruit tree species, including Chinese hickory plants (Carya cathayensis Sarg.). The present investigation was conducted to study the possible positive effects of melatonin in drought resistance of C. cathayensis plants along with associated mechanisms. It was observed that melatonin pre-treatment applied before limited water availability significantly contrasted drought-promoted negative effects in terms of plant growth and physiological responses. Significant improvement was observed in key biological parameters like relative water content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, maximum photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II (PSII), and PSII electron transport rate. Antioxidant apparatus was also stimulated by melatonin and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were noticed along with higher accumulation of proline. Gene expression studies herein revealed that melatonin promoted the up-regulation of the expression of SOD (70.7%), CAT (32.7%), and APX (66.5%) genes. As a consequence, accumulation of malondialdehyde by-products and leaf symptoms were reduced in melatonin-treated plants. All these observations offer the clear evidence that pre-treatment with melatonin ameliorate the performance of Chinese hickory plants against drought stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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18 pages, 1253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Apple Scion and Rootstock Contribute to Nutrient Uptake and Partitioning under Different Belowground Environments

by Nadia A. Valverdi, Lailiang Cheng and Lee Kalcsits

Agronomy 2019, 9(8), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9080415 - 30 Jul 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7508

Abstract

Soil environment strongly contributes to tree growth and development, affecting nutrient and water uptake. Composite woody perennials, like apple, are a combination of two genetically different parts: a rootstock and a scion, and yet, the role of each part on nutrient uptake and [...] Read more.

Soil environment strongly contributes to tree growth and development, affecting nutrient and water uptake. Composite woody perennials, like apple, are a combination of two genetically different parts: a rootstock and a scion, and yet, the role of each part on nutrient uptake and distribution under differing soil environments has not been previously studied. We tested how water limitations and elevated soil temperatures, applied to different apple rootstocks and scions, affected mineral nutrient uptake and distribution on young apple trees. Two one-year-old potted apple cultivars were grown in a greenhouse, ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Gala,’ combined with four rootstocks: G890, G41, M9, and B9. Belowground abiotic environmental treatments were imposed for 60 days after trees reached approximately 45 cm height. Water limitations reduced aboveground biomass and, to a lesser extent, root biomass. ‘Gala’ and the rootstock G890 showed elevated mineral nutrient uptake compared to ‘Honeycrisp’ and the other rootstock genotypes. Additionally, G890 showed greater plasticity for both biomass and mineral nutrient accumulation. Elevated soil temperatures increased the ratios of K:Ca, N:Ca, Mg:Ca, and (N + K + Mg):Ca in leaf tissue of rootstock G41 and ‘Honeycrisp’. These findings highlight the importance of the use of scion and rootstock genotypes that are adapted to specific soil environments to ensure optimal nutrient uptake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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Review

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25 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physiology of Nitrogen and Calcium Nutrition in Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.)

by John W. Doyle, Savithri U. Nambeesan and Anish Malladi

Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040765 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6981

Abstract

Sustaining the fourfold increase in blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) production witnessed during the previous two decades requires better understanding of its mineral nutrient physiology. The primary goals of this review are to evaluate our current understanding of the physiology of nitrogen (N) and [...] Read more.

Sustaining the fourfold increase in blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) production witnessed during the previous two decades requires better understanding of its mineral nutrient physiology. The primary goals of this review are to evaluate our current understanding of the physiology of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) nutrition in blueberry. Nitrogen concentration in blueberry ranges from 0.4% to >2% across organs. Blueberry uses N in various forms (organic and inorganic), but it appears to display preference for ammonium (NH₄⁺) over nitrate (NO₃⁻). The roles of N acquisition, translocation and assimilation in determining N-source preference in blueberry are evaluated. Calcium plays important roles in determining fruit quality owing to its function in maintaining cell wall and membrane integrity. It is unique in its translocation characteristics being transported primarily via the xylem. Fruit [Ca²⁺] typically declines from around 0.2% during early development to <0.05% at ripening. Modes of Ca acquisition and transport to the fruit, and various approaches to improve fruit [Ca²⁺] are discussed. Areas where further research is warranted to improve our understanding of N and Ca physiology in blueberry are identified. Such knowledge is essential for sustainable nutrient management, improving productivity, and enhancing fruit quality in blueberry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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28 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Achievements and New Research Opportunities for Optimizing Macronutrient Availability, Acquisition, and Distribution for Perennial Fruit Crops

by Lee Kalcsits, Elmi Lotze, Massimo Tagliavini, Kirsten D. Hannam, Tanja Mimmo, Denise Neilsen, Gerry Neilsen, David Atkinson, Erica Casagrande Biasuz, Luigimaria Borruso, Stefano Cesco, Esmaeil Fallahi, Youry Pii and Nadia A. Valverdi

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111738 - 8 Nov 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6546

Abstract

Tree responses to fertilizer management are complex and are influenced by the interactions between the environment, other organisms, and the combined genetics of composite trees. Increased consumer awareness of the environmental impact of agriculture has stimulated research toward increasing nutrient-use efficiency, improving environmental [...] Read more.

Tree responses to fertilizer management are complex and are influenced by the interactions between the environment, other organisms, and the combined genetics of composite trees. Increased consumer awareness of the environmental impact of agriculture has stimulated research toward increasing nutrient-use efficiency, improving environmental sustainability, and maximizing quality. Here, we highlight recent advancements and identify knowledge gaps in nutrient dynamics across the soil–rhizosphere–tree continuum for fruit crops. Beneficial soil management practices can enhance nutrient uptake and there has been significant progress in the understanding of how roots, microorganisms, and soil interact to enhance nutrient acquisition in the rhizosphere. Characterizing root architecture, in situ, still remains one of the greatest research challenges in perennial fruit research. However, the last decade has advanced the characterization of root nutrient uptake and transport in plants but studies in tree fruit crops have been limited. Calcium, and its balance relative to other macronutrients, has been a primary focus for mineral nutrient research because of its important contributions to the development of physiological disorders. However, annual elemental redistribution makes these interactions complex. The development of new approaches for measuring nutrient movement in soil and plant systems will be critical for achieving sustainable production of high-quality fruit in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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Other

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2 pages, 174 KiB

Open AccessErratum

Erratum: Nadia Antonella Valverdi, et al., Apple Scion and Rootstock Contribute to Nutrient Uptake and Partitioning Under Different Belowground Environments. Agronomy 2019, 9, 415

by Agronomy Editorial Office

Agronomy 2019, 9(10), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9100657 - 18 Oct 2019

Viewed by 1975

Abstract

The authors wish to correct the following erratum in this paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees)

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