ISHS Acta Horticulturae 409: IV International Symposium on Growing Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and in the Subtropics
NUTRITIONAL STUDIES IN LOW-CHILL STONEFRUIT |
| Authors: | Alan P. George, Robert J. Nissen, Jodie A. Campbell |
| Abstract:
Several studies have been conducted to define the most suitable leaf nutrient sampling times and establish tentative critical levels for low-chill stonefruit in subtropical Australia. Because low-chill stonefruit have a different phenological cycle and shorter fruit development period, compared with high chill cultivars, leaf sampling procedures and critical leaf nutrient levels established for high-chill cultivars may not be suitable for use with low-chill cultivars. In subtropical Australia, low-chill cultivars make 2 vegetative growth flushes during the season compared with high-chill cultivars that make only 1. Cultivars may be summer pruned 2 or 3 times. Leaf sampling is normally carried out when most nutrients have stabilised. With low-chill stonefruit this appears to be post-harvest, prior to summer pruning or post-harvest topping. Leaf nutrient levels appear to be less stable during periods of strong vegetative flushing and during stone-hardening. A small preliminary survey to establish tentative critical levels has indicated that leaf N and K levels for low-chill stonefruit may need to be maintained in the higher optimum range established for high-chill cultivars in Australia or for low-chill cultivars in Florida. A more intensive survey is currently being conducted to establish critical levels. | |
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