Evaluation of effect of washing procedures on mineral analysis of orange and peach leaves sprayed with seaweed extracts enriched with iron

The effect of five washing treatments (unwashed, water washed, Tween 80 washed, 0.1 M HCl acid washed, and Tween 80-acid washed) is evaluated to remove nutrient element deposits from orange and peach leaves. Untreated leaves and leaves sprayed with a seaweed extract iron fertilizer in two dosages are compared. Micronutrients were more affected by the washing procedures than macronutrients. Acid detergent washing was the most efficient, especially as regards the micronutrients iron (:Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Copper (Cu) did not seem to be: influenced by the washing method when leaves were foliar sprayed. The influence of the washing procedure on macronutrients is dependent on the plant species and on foliar treatments; in general, peach leaves are affected less by the washing procedure than orange leaves. Even with the most severe washing procedures, no macronutrient losses were found. Distilled water should be considered the most suitable washing procedure when macronutrients are of primary interest, but if micronutrients are to be determined, Tween 80 acidulated with 0.1 M HCl should be used.