Mineral analysis and performance of chlorotic pear trees sprayed or injected with iron

Abstract

Bearing Anjou (Beurre d'Anjou) and Bartlett (Williams Bon Chretien) pear trees, Pyrus communis L., were subjected to tree injections of ferrous sulfate or foliar applications of various iron materials to correct a severe case of iron chlorosis. Tree performance evaluations were made on growth and development of leaves, shoots and fruit during treatment and succeeding years. In general, trunk injections of 1% ferrous sulfate, especially in the fall and spring, improved tree performance and increased the level of iron and green color in the leaves and fruit of ‘Anjou¹ and ‘Bartlett¹ pears. Foliar sprays of several iron compounds increased the level of iron and green color of ‘Anjou’ leaves, but the influence persisted only for the year of application.

Key words:

• Iron chlorosis
• foliar application
• trunk injection
• growth and development
• leaf color
• Pyrus communis