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- Author or Editor: Steven A. Weinbaum x
Our understanding of the quantities and seasonal patterns of nutrient uptake by mature fruit trees has been limited by the difficulties in working with the large woody biomass of these organisms, tree-to-tree variability, and the resolution to distinguish between recently acquired nutrient from the nutrient background of the tree. We have coupled the use of stable isotopes of nitrogen (N) with periodic whole-tree excavations and nutrient analyses during the year. Vegetative growth, reproductive growth, and nutrient storage in perennial tree parts during tree quiescence represent nutrient sinks. Data obtained using mature pistachio, prune, and walnut trees indicate that macronutrient accumulation in metabolic sinks is associated with increases in tree macronutrient uptake. These data are consistent with the concept that sink removal of phloem-mobile nutrients from vascular circulation may provide the stimulus to further uptake of the nutrient(s) sequestered. We propose that the recognition of those patterns can be used to increase the efficiency of tree nutrient recovery and utilization.
The regulation of anther dehiscence by relative humidity (RH) was assessed for detached anthers and detached whole flowers from a limited selection of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), peach [P. persica (L.) Batsch], and almond [P. dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb, syn. P. amygdalus Batsch; P. communis (L.) Arcangeli, non Huds.] genotypes, as well as an almond X peach F2 progeny. Dehiscence was evaluated at 33, 64, 87, 93 and 97% RH for detached anthers, and at 33, 64 and 97% RH for whole detached flowers. Anther dehiscence was suppressed with increasing RH for all genotypes. Apricot anthers showed the greatest dehiscence at low RH and measurable dehiscence at high RH even when detached. Anther dehiscence in almond appeared more suppressed than in apricot at all RH levels tested, being completely suppressed by high RH in detached anthers. Peach genotypes exhibited the full range of variability between apricot and almond patterns. Evidence for transgressive segregation of RH-controlled anther dehiscence was observed in the occurrence of cleistogamy in an almond × peach F2 progeny. Rates of anther dehiscence were approximately linear with change in RH in detached anthers but exhibited a more buffered, step-wise response when detached whole flowers were tested. Results are consistent with field observations, and highlight the low but measurable risk of cleistogamy in these species, as well as opportunities to modify the breeding systems and crossing environments to facilitate controlled hybridization, and to reduce pollination vulnerability to adverse environments.
An average of >20% seedless (blank) fruit are produced annually in Pistacia vera cv. Kerman. The degree of blank production was reportedly not related to individual tree yields and, therefore, was not thought to be resource limited (Crane, J.C., 1973. HortSci. 8:388-390). In two crop years, we studied the variability in percentage blanking among individual shoots characterized by widely varying leaf area to fruit (L/F) ratios. L/F ratios were related inversely to the percentage of blank fruit produced. Thus, individual branches behaved somewhat autonomously with respect to blanking. Our data are consistent with the view that embryo development was resource-limited. Although `Kerman' exhibits the potentiality for parthenocarpic fruit set, the hissed distribution of seedless fruit within the tree presumably indicates that blanking is an example of stenospermocarpy. Blanking does not result primarily from inadequate pollination under typical field conditions.
Abstract
Export of urea N was quantified after 15N-enriched urea was applied to ‘Manzanillo’ olive leaves (Olea europaea L.). Labeled N derived from foliar urea applications to mature trees in October 1982 and March 1983 constituted 4.3% and 23.0%, respectively, of the nitrogen composition of olive flowers at anthesis (May 1983). Labeled N applied to leaves following anthesis was translocated to fruit within 3 days. Export of N from treated leaves was greatly reduced when developing fruit and shoot tips were removed. Preloading of leaves with standard urea (before foliar application of labeled urea) increased leaf N by 30% and increased slightly the translocation of labeled urea N to the fruit 2 to 4 weeks later. The nitrogen status of small, potted ‘Manzanillo’ plants did not influence subsequent absorption of foliage-applied urea; however, nitrogen deficiency reduced translocation of labeled urea N from the treated leaves to new shoots and, to a lesser extent, roots. Olive leaves represent storage organs for N and release N in response to the metabolic demands of developing reproductive and vegetative organs.
Abstract
15N-labeled potassium nitrate was applied in a foliar spray to French prune/Marianna 2624 trees (Prunus domestica L.), and the nitrogen absorbed by the leaves was quantified. Nitrogen derived from a single foliar spray averaged 3% of total leaf nitrogen. L77, a non-ionic organosilicone surfactant which lowers surface tensions of aqueous solutions sufficiently for stomatal penetration, significantly enhanced the rate of NO3 absorption and increased incorporation of foliar-derived nitrogen into alcohol insoluble macromolecules. This enhancement was not apparent when labeled NO3 was applied with Regulaid, a carbohydrate-based non-ionic surfactant. About 25% of the foliar-derived N was apparently transported from leaves within 3 days when the stomatal penetrant was employed. No transport was evident in the absence of the penetrant.
Abstract
Histochemical examination of apple seeds (cv. Golden Delicious) from persisting and abscising fruit were conducted 2 days after treatment (NAA, 30 ppm; Sevin, 2 lb./100 gal water). Seeds and embryos of NAA-treated potential drop fruit were appreciably smaller than those associated with other treatments. There was no evidence of reduced levels of nucleic acids, proteins, or starch in embryo or endosperm when compared with corresponding tissue from untreated persistent fruit. The extent of starch deposition in maternal tissue was related to seed size and was the most consistent correlative of impending seed abortion.
Abstract
Comparisons of seed tissues from persistent and potential drop apple fruit (‘Golden Delicious’) 3 weeks after full bloom suggested that fruit commitment to abscise (determined by a reduced rate of fruit enlargement between 16 and 21 days after full bloom) preceded ultrastructural evidence of degenerative or functional changes in embryo or endosperm tissue. The results do not support the concept of ‘embryo abortion’ as a causal mechanism in natural fruit abscission during post-bloom.
The effects of low and high crop loads in 2002 on floral development (Summer 2002), pistil size at anthesis (Spring 2003), and subsequent season fruit size at maturity (Summer 2003) were studied. Trees were all thinned to the same crop load in 2003. Three peach cultivars (Elegant Lady, O'Henry and Fairtime) with different ripening times (mid-July, mid-August, and early-September, respectively) were used to assess the effects of current season crop on floral development for the subsequent season. Based on previous literature, we reasoned that the maximum competition for carbohydrates between maturing fruit and developing buds is likely to occur at fruit maturity, especially under heavy crop loads. In 2003, individual fruit were harvested and weighed at maturity. In all three cultivars, a heavy crop load reduced the percentage of floral buds initiated and delayed floral differentiation. A heavy crop load also reduced pistil size at anthesis and fruit size at maturity in the subsequent season. These data support the practice of vigorous pruning to annually renew fruiting wood in peach to minimize the influence of crop in the previous season on the subsequent season's fruit and maintain large fruit sizes.
Leaf N concentrations (% dry wt) appear relatively insensitive to high levels of applied fertilizer N (Weinbaum et al, HortTechnology 1992). This insensitivity may be attributable to growth dilation, lack of additional tree N uptake, a finite capacity of leaves to accumulate additional N or our inhability to resolve a limited increment. Our objective was to asses the relative accumulation of mobile forms of N (NO3, NH4 and amino acids) relative to a total N over a range of fertilizer N application rates in 3 year old, field-grown “Fantasia” nectarine trees. Between 0 and 136 Kg N/Ha/Yr we observed a linear relationship between N supply and all N fractions. Above 136 Kg N/Ha/Yr leaf concentrations of amino acids and total N remined constant, but NO3 and NH4 accumulation continued. These results suggest that leaf concentration of NO3 and NH4 are more sensitive indicators of soil N availability and tree N uptake than was total leaf N concentration.
Factors affecting the phloem mobility of foliar-applied B have received little study. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate foliar retention of B solutions, foliar uptake kinetics, and phloem mobility of foliar-applied B among four tree fruit species. Leaves on current-year shoots of nonbearing 'Red Delicious' apple, 'Bartlett' pear, 'French' prune, and 'Bing' cherry were immersed in 1000 mg/liter B solutions (supplied as 10B-enriched boric acid) in midsummer. Export of the applied label from leaves was monitored between 0 and 24 h, and throughout the following 20 days by ICP-mass spectrometry. Uptake by leaves increased steadily in all species between 0 and 24 h, and reached 80% to 95% of the applied quantity within 24 h. By 24 h, 62% to 75% of the applied label, depending on species, had been exported from the treated leaves. Apple leaves retained, absorbed, and exported over twice the amount of labelled B as prune and pear leaves, and nearly four times the amount of cherry leaves. Foliar retention largely controlled the capacity for uptake and export.