Effects of potassium fertilization on leaf nutrient content and quality attributes of sweet cherry fruits (Prunus Avium L.)

Abstract

Cherry is a fruit preferred by consumers with its beautiful appearance, low calorie content and positive effects on human health. Turkey is the leader in cherry production due to its favorable ecological conditions. Potassium is an important nutrient which affects quality in agricultural production. 0900 Ziraat cherry was used as a test plant and cultivated in Gisela 6 rootstocks for 2 years in 2017 and 2018. The effects of different doses of potassium (K) on the quality of cherry fruit and the nutrient content of the leaves were investigated. Different doses of K (0, 100, 200, 400, 600 g K2O tree−1) were applied with 4 replications under the crown of 5 trees in each replication for two consecutive years. Quality characteristics in fruit samples and nutrient contents in leaf samples were determined. Fruit size, fruit firmness (FF), soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA) were found to have increased with potassium doses, pH, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were found to have decreased. The effect on the breaking force from the handle was found insignificant. Potassium application increased the potassium content of the leaves, while the highest dose of 600 g K2O tree−1 caused a decrease in other nutrients. 600 g K2O tree−1 application also caused a decrease in FF, SS and TA, which may result in environmental pollution, as well. It was concluded that potassium application positively affects the quality features of cherry fruit and the most appropriate dose is 400 g K2O tree−1.