Time course study on the mobility and pattern of distribution of foliar‐applied boron in peaches

Abstract

One‐year‐old Red Haven’ peach (Prunus Persica) trees grown in pots in the greenhouse were used to study the time course mobility and pattern of distribution of boron (B). Enriched‐¹⁰B boric acid solution was evenly spread onto the abaxial side of the fifth leaf (numbered acropetally). After harvesting at different time intervals, selected plant parts were analyzed for ¹⁰B using an ICP‐MASS spectrometer. The results showed that within 4 hours, B could be taken up and translocated bidirectionally to all plant parts, except for the fine roots. Treated leaf, green stem, and fine root were the tissues having high ¹⁰B concentrations in comparison to the other tissues. The highest ¹⁰B concentrations in the fed leaf, green stem, and fine root were reached in 12 hours, at the 4th week, and in 72 hours, respectively. The total ¹⁰B absorbed averaged 0.3% of the total ¹⁰B applied, with the highest total percent recovery of 0.43%, which was reached in 72 hours. The total amount of ¹⁰B exported from the fed leaf was more than 50% of the ¹⁰B absorbed. A comparison of the ¹⁰B/¹¹B ratio and the ¹⁰B content was used as the parameter of B movement. The method of data expression is also discussed.

Notes

Presently at Fengshan Tropical Horticultural Experiment Station, Fengshan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 83017, R. O. C.