Naslov
Foliar Boron Application Improves Flower Fertility and Fruit Set of Olive

Autori
Perica, Slavko ; H.Brown, Patrick ; H.Connell, Joseph ; Nyomora, Agnes M.S. ; Dordas, Christos ; Hening, Hu

Izvornik
HortScience (0018-5345) 36 (2001), 4; 714-716

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
mineral nutrition; reproductive growth; flower morphology; Olea europaea

Sažetak
A 2-year field study was conducted to determine if foliar B application prior to flowering increased fruit set in olive (Olea europaea L.) cv Manzanillo. Boron solutions were applied (935 L.ha-1) at four concentrations (0, 246, 491, and 737 mg.L-1)to trees exhibiting no vegetative symptoms of B deficiency. Foliar B application increased both the percentage of perfect flowers and fruit set, but no effect on pollen germination was observed in either year. The increase in fruit set was not accompanied by a reduction in fruit size. The beneficial effects of foliar B application varied between years and were greater when fruit set was low. The results obtained here are in agreement with those observed in other tree species, in which B applied to the foliage immediately prior to flowering or during the period of floral bud initiation significantly increased fruit set and yield. The physiological basis for this effect, however, remains unclear.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA