Abstract
This study was conducted to analyze the effect of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the level of macronutrients (Na, Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), and heavy metals (Cd, As, Hg, Pb) in loquat leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp, and seed) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). The results revealed that the foliar application of Mg increased the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, and Mn in fruit pulp; and Na, K, B, Mo, Co, Ni, and Cu in seeds. Zinc increased Mg, K, Ca, Zn, B, Ni, and Cu in leaves; Fe, Co and Ni in fruit peel; K, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na and K in seeds. Similarly, B application increased the concentrations of Na, Mg, K, Ca, and B in leaves; Ca and Ni in fruit peel; Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, B, Mn, Fe, and Co in fruit pulp; and Na, K, Ca, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Co, and Ni in loquat seeds. Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquats were greatly influenced by the application of Mg, Zn and B. Although heavy metal concentrations in fruit pulp were increased by the foliar application of B, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption.
Highlights
The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is an evergreen fruit tree originating from the People’s Republic of China
Sodium concentration in loquat leaves was reduced after foliar applications of T1, T2, and T4, while it increased with the application of T3
The maximum Na concentration occurred in the plants treated with T3 at both maturity stages
Summary
The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is an evergreen fruit tree originating from the People’s Republic of China. It belongs to the family Rosaceae, subfamily Maloideae. It is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber [1]. It is a very beautiful orange-colored fruit with a mild sweet and sour taste [2]. It is most widely grown in Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, and the south-central region of China. More than 30 species of loquat are being grown in temperate and subtropical regions of Asia [5]
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