Influence of foliar fertilization on quality of pear (pyrus communis l.) cv. ‘williams’

Abstract

The influence of foliar fertilization on quality of pears (Pyrus communis L.) cv. ‘Williams’ was observed. The contents of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), sorbitol and organic acids (citric, malic, shikimic and fumaric) were determinated with HPLC analyses and contents of mineral elements in pear fruits were determinated in Phosyn Laboratories. Spraying of foliar fertilization Hascon M 10 AD caused the increase of soluble solids by 0,6 ° Brix in comparison to the control. Content of total titratable acids was higher at the control, and the same applies for the pH juice of pears. The control showed the contents of fructose to be by 0,13 g kg−1 higher and that of sucrose to be by 0,24 g kg−1 higher than at the foliar fertilization. Content of sorbitol and glucose was higher at foliar fertilization. In fruits, sprayed with foliar fertilizer the content of citric acid was higher by 0,2 g kg−1 and fumaric acid by 0,066 mg kg−1, the content of which is scarce in fruits at picking. Content of shikimic acid was in both treatments the same (0,3 g kg−1). Metabolism of malic acid was more active at foliar fertilization. Foliar fertilization brought about higher content of K in fruits, and also better absorbency of Mg and P in fruits. The control showed too high level of Mg and P in fruits. Quantity of N was in both treatments the same.