Effect of zinc on the leaf mineral content, yield, fruit weight and susceptibility of peaches to Monilinia laxa

Abstract

The effect of zinc sulfate and zinc chelate on the leaf mineral content, yield and fruit weight of the peach variety Andross was investigated in a Greek orchard. Foliar application of a 25% zinc sulfate solution on 25 February and 2% zinc chelate solution on 20 May increased the zinc content of leaves and no toxicity was observed. In contrast, foliar application of 6% zinc sulfate and soil application of zinc sulfate at a rate of 200 g/tree on 25 February did not affect the zinc content of leaves. However, zinc sulfate applied to the soil at a rate of 200 g/tree significantly increased fruit yield. Statistically, the mean fruit weight and the susceptibility of fruit to Monilinia laxa did not differ between treatments. However, postharvest fruit susceptibility to M. laxa increased when fruit were dipped in a zinc chelate solution.