Influence of almond x peach hybrids rootstocks on flower and leaf mineral concentration, yield and vigour of two peach cultivars

Flower and foliar nutrient content of 'Queen Giant' and 'Tebana' peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] on six almond x peach hybrids rootstocks ('Adafuel', 'Adarcias', 'GF 677', 'Cadaman', 'Garnem' and 'Felinem') were determined during one season. The mineral elements analysed were: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Na and Cu. Leaf N concentration in 'Queen Giant' was the highest on 'Cadaman'and'GF 677' and the lowest on 'Adarcias'. The P, Fe and Zn concentrations in flowers and leaves were significantly correlated. The leaf chlorophyll concentration at 120 DAFB was positively correlated with Fe floral concentration and with K, Zn and Na leaf concentration, in 'Queen Giant', and with K and Mn leaf concentration, in 'Tebana'. In 'Queen Giant', the greatest trunk cross-sectional area was exhibited with 'Felinem' and 'Garnem' and the lowest with 'Adarcias'. In contrast, the greater yield efficiency was found on 'Adarcias'. In 'Queen Giant', a negative correlation was found between yield efficiency and Ca in leaves and in flowers. A positive correlation was observed between tree vigour and flower Fe, flower Ca and leaf Ca concentration. Correlation was also found between yield efficiency and Mg in 'Tebana' flowers. In 'Queen Giant', 'Felinem' rootstock showed the weakest balanced nutritional values (Sigma DOP index) compared with other rootstocks. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.