“Szampion” Apple Tree Response to Foliar Titanium Application

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine effect of foliar titanium (Ti) application on vigor, fruiting, and quality and fruit storability of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees. The experiment was carried out during 2000–2001 on mature “Szampion” apple trees/M.26 planted in a course-textured soil with a low level of organic matter and optimal status of nutrients. The trees were sprayed with TiCl₄ solution: (1) before blooming, at the stage of green and pink bud; (2) during blooming, at the beginning of flowering and the petal fall; (3) after blooming, 1 and 3 weeks after petal fall; and (4) before fruit picking, 4 and 2 weeks before commercial harvest. In each spray, Ti was applied at a rate of 2.5 g ha⁻¹. Trees sprayed with water served as a control. The results showed that foliar Ti sprays had no effect on vigor, fruit set, yielding, and appearance and apple storability. Foliar Ti application after flowering increased leaf Ti 30, 60, and 90 days after full bloom. Titanium sprays before harvest enhanced status of this element in fruit and leaves 90 days after bloom. Concentrations of essential macro- and microelements in leaf and fruit tissues were not affected by foliar Ti sprays. These results indicate that foliar Ti sprays of apple trees are not beneficial under conditions of optimal nutrition.

Keywords:

• Foliar Ti application
• Apple tree
• Vigor
• Yielding
• Quality and fruit storability