Calcium accumulation into leaves and fruitlets of 'Šampion', 'Jonagold' and 'Idared' apple trees (Malus domestica Borth.)

Abstract

The aim this work was to examine the calcium accumulation into leaves and fiuitlets of 'Šampion', 'Jonagold' and 'Idared' apple trees. The experiment was carried out during 1993-1995 in Dąbrowice Experimental Orchard belonging to Institute of Pomology in Skierniewice. Leaves and fruitlets were collected at 2 weeks interval, beginning 28 days after bloom and finishing at the fruit harvest time. The results showed that by all studied cultivars calcium accumulation into leaves and fruitlets performed throughout their growth. It was found that movement of calcium to leaves and particularly to fruitlets was reduced in certain periods. It was observed withdrawal of calcium from fruitlets in the later period their growth. There was not close relation between the limit of calcium accumulation into leaves and the reduce of calcium movement to fiuitlets. In spite of calcium accumulation into fiuitlets throughout their growth it was observed that they were the most competitive about calcium in comparison with leaves at beginning of their growth. During development of fruitlets decreased their ability to calcium uptake.