Leaf analysis for pear: development of standards and the nutritional status of orchards in the Goulburn Valley and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas

Abstract

Leaf composition standards for pear trees were formulated from the literature then evaluated in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria by surveying the leaf composition of high-production orchards for two seasons (1971-72 and 1972-73). Good agreement was found between the standards and orchard leaf composition although the calcium standards required slight amendment. A concurrent survey of orchards showing symptoms of salt toxicity showed that sodium and chloride levels previously considered safe were in fact toxic and the standards were amended accordingly. The revised standards were used to evaluate the nutritional status of young and older pear blocks in the Goulburn Valley and pear blocks in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas (MIA), New South Wales. The findings for Goulburn Valley blocks were confirmed by multiple regression analysis of leaf composition and yield data.