ISHS Acta Horticulturae 367: VI International Symposium on Pear Growing
EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY VERSUS LATE CALCIUM SPRAYS ON MINERAL COMPOSITION, YIELD, FRUIT SIZE AND CONTROL OF FRUIT DISORDERS OF 'ANJOU' PEARS |
| Authors: | J.T. Raese, S.R. Drake, E.A. Stahly |
| Abstract:
The following research work reports the results of spraying different calcium materials on mature-bearing 'Anjou' pear trees (Pyrus communis L.) from early June to August each of six seasons. Early spray applications (June to mid-July) of eight different calcium treatments were compared with late applications (mid-July to late August). With the exception of 1980, late spray treatments resulted in slightly greater concentrations of calcium in the fruit of trees sprayed with calcium than the early sprays and the control of cork spot fruit disorder was better with late spray treatments. However, spray injury to leaves and fruit from the various calcium materials was greater with the late spray applications. Calcium chloride was consistently the most effective for increasing calcium concentrations in the fruit and for controlling cork spot. Calcium chloride sprays caused phytotoxicity to leaves and fruit but were considered acceptable. Yield of calcium-sprayed trees was greater than from the control trees for all years tested (1980, 1985 to 1989). Fruit size was not decreased with calcium sprays. | |
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