Chlorosis of ‘Anjou’ pear trees reduced with foliar sprays of iron compounds

Abstract

In 1985 and 1986, bearing ‘Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees were sprayed with different iron (Fe) compounds in an attempt to reduce a severe Fe chlorosis condition without causing unacceptable spray phytotoxicity to the fruit. All Fe materials increased the Fe concentration in the leaves and fruit peel, and reduced Fe chlorosis by increasing the green color of the leaves and fruit. For both years, the Fe lignosulfonate sprays resulted in greater fruit firmness than the controls and in the least amount of phytotoxicity to the fruit (acceptable). The residual effect of the 1986 sprays also resulted in greater shoot growth and fruit set in 1987 than on the unsprayed controls indicating a slight carry‐over effect of the Fe sprays to the following year.

Key words:

• Iron deficiency
• mineral composition of fruit and leaves
• Pyrus communis L