Effects of applications of boron with iron and zinc on the contents of pear trees

Abstract

Boron (B) is an essential microelement for plants, animals and humans. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments for the correction of boron (B) with zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiencies in the pear cultivar ?Deveci' in the south eastern Marmara region of Turkey. This work consisted of 4 field experiments that primarly included control, soil and foliar applications of B alone and in combination with Zn and Fe. Soil and foliar applications of borax increased B concentrations in leaves and fruit. However, foliar treatment with B was more effective than the soil application. Foliar applications of boron four times each season appeared to be an appropriate treatment for maintaining a sufficient B level in pear trees. Foliar applications of double and triple combinations of FeSO4.7H2O and ZnSO4.7H2O with borax significantly increased Fe and Zn concentrations in the leaves, as well. Boron concentrations were dramatically higher in the fruit parts (flesh and peel) than in the leaves. These results clearly indicated the translocation of B from soil and treated leaves to the fruits. Therefore, the B concentration in the fruit was more useful for the evaluation of B levels in pear trees.