Effect of Silicon Application on Silicon Contents in “Fuji” Apple in Loess Plateau

ABSTRACT

This study investigated silicon (Si) fertilizer application in an apple orchard; Si fertilizers were applied at rates of 50 and 100 g/tree, with humic acid and citric acid, respectively. The results showed that Si accumulation in apple tree was influenced by the type and amount of fertilizer, and was higher in organic Si treatment. Si content in leaves, peel, flesh and whole fruit significantly increased with increasing rates of Si application, especially in a high amount of organic treatment. This study indicates that the source of Si fertilizer and the rate of Si applications are important factors influencing the uptake of Si by “Fuji” apple tree, which is a widely cultivated apple species in Loess Plateau in China.

KEYWORDS:

• Apple orchard
• citric acid
• humic acid
• Loess Plateau
• silicon

Funding

This research was supported by the National Key Technology R&D Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology, China (2012BAD14B11). The senior author was supported, in part, by a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the National Key Technology R&D Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology, China (2012BAD14B11). The senior author was supported, in part, by a scholarship from the China Scholarship Council (CSC).