Influence of Rootstocks, pH, Iron Supply (in Nutrient Solutions) and Agrobacterium radiobacter on Chlorophyll and Iron Concentration in Leaves of a Peach Variety

ABSTRACT

In this study, the influence of rootstocks, pH, iron (Fe) supply (in nutrient solutions), and Agrobacterium radiobacter on the leaf chlorophyll and Fe concentration of the peach cultivar ‘Sun Crest’ was investigated. The results showed that chlorophyll index (SPAD-502) and active Fe differed significantly at different pH levels. Chlorophyll index was highest at pH 6.0 and 9.0 and lowest at pH 7.0 and 8.0 Leaf active Fe concentration was highest at pH 6.0 and 7.0 Significant differences between rootstocks and interactions were also found. Chlorophyll index was highest in the leaves of GF677, Antafuel and MRS 2/5, while the leaves of seedling had the lowest chlorophyll index and chlorophyll a and b concentration. The chlorophyll index in the leaves of St. Julien 655/2 did not differ from those of MRS 2/5. However, seedling had the highest leaf active Fe concentration. Supply of trees with different Fe levels (in solutions) did not affect positively the leaf chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a and b concentration, or active Fe concentration. The leaf chlorophyll index and active Fe in the rootstocks GF677, Antafuel, and Siberian C were significantly reduced in trees inoculated with Agrobacterium radiobacter.

Keywords:

• Agrobacterium radiobacter
• chlorosis
• chlorophyll
• iron
• pH

Notes

^a Data are the mean of two experiments (one each year).

^b Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data and treatment means were separated using the Least Significant Difference Test (< 0.05).

^c LSD_0.05 for pH.

^d LSD_0.05 for rootstocks.

^e LSD_0.05 for interaction.

^a Data are the mean of two experiments (one each year).

^b Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data and treatment means were separated using the least significant difference test (< 0.05).

^c LSD_0.05 for Fe levels.

^d LSD_0.05 for rootstocks.

^e LSD_0.05 for interaction.

^a Data are the mean of two experiments (one each year).

^b Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data and treatment means were separated using the least significant difference test (< 0.05).

^c LSD_0.05 for treatments.

^d LSD_0.05 for rootstocks.

^e LSD_0.05 for interaction.