Effects of moderate and severe iron deficiency chlorosis on fruit yield, appearance and composition in pear (Pyrus communis L.) and peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch)

Abstract

The effects of different levels of Fe-deficiency chlorosis on the fruit yield, appearance and composition of pear and peach trees grown in field orchards have been studied. The major effect of Fe deficiency in both species was a large yield reduction, even when chlorosis was moderate, associated to decreases in fruit tree load. Fruit size increased with moderate chlorosis in both species and decreased with severe chlorosis in peach. In peach, moderate or severe chlorosis affected uniformly all branches, leading to firmer fruits with higher acidity, total phenolics and carboxylates. This indicates a delayed maturity that can be attributed to a low C-availability for fruits. In Fe-deficient pear trees, the majority of fruits (98%) were on non-chlorotic or moderately chlorotic branches, and fruits were less green and firm with an increased sugars/acids ratio. This indicates an advanced fruit maturity that can be attributed to an increased C-availability for fruits. All chlorosis levels increased within-tree variation in fruit appearance.