Treatment of Pistachio Trees with Zinc and Copper in Time of Swollen Bud in Two Consecutive Years

Abstract

This study was done to investigate the effects of foliar sprays of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on fruit set, yield, yield components, vegetative growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations of pistachio trees (cv. Owhadi), over two consecutive seasons 2010 (ON) and 2011 (OFF). Tests were done at a commercial orchard in the region of Rafsanjan in Iran. Tests were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block with four replications. Treatments tested in the study were three concentration levels of zinc sulfate (0, 1000, and 2000 mg L −1 ) and two concentration levels of copper sulfate (0 and 200 mg L −1 ). Results showed that Zn foliar application increased first fruit set, final fruit set, fresh yield, and dry yield. Nut weight was increased by Zn spray by 3 and 4% at the second and third levels of Zn, respectively, compared with the control. However, Cu application increased splitting and vegetative growth. Vegetative growth in the OFF year was greater than that of the ON year. Phosphorus, sodium, and Cu concentrations in leaf were greater in the ON year than in the OFF year, but concentrations of Zn and potassium in leaf were lower in the ON year than they were in the OFF year. These results show that Zn and Cu applications can affect growth and yield of pistachio, especially when the plant is grown in calcareous soils. However, the alternate bearing pattern had a significant effect on vegetative growth and some leaf nutrient concentrations.

Functional Genomics Insights Into the Pathogenicity, Habitat Fitness, and Mechanisms Modifying Plant Development of Rhodococcus sp. PBTS1 and PBTS2

“…Therefore, the PBTS1 and PBTS2 chromosomes were mined for the presence of genes putatively involved in bactericide resistance and antimicrobial production. To mitigate copper micronutrient deficiencies in pistachio orchards, trees are fertigated or sprayed with copper sulfate (Kallsen et al, 2000;Soliemanzadeh et al, 2014). Additionally, copper fungicides are used for the management of Septoria leaf spot (Michailides, 2005).…”

Effect of Spraying Zinc, Copper And Iron on Leaf Nutrient, Fruit Set And Some Fruit Quality of Pistachio Trees (pistacia Vera L.) Cv. Halebi

“…It was revealed that foliar application of zinc sulfate (1 and 2 g L-1) increased yield of pistachio (Kizilgoz et al 2010). Also Soliemanzadeh et al (2014) reported that the foliar application of zinc and copper on pistachio trees at high levels, significantly increased primary and final fruit set, yield and yield quality when compared with control. Kizilgoz, et al,(2010) investigate that an increased fruit yield of pistachio trees from zinc application as a result of increased leaves zinc content.…”