Elemental content in "Forastero" peach leaves was affected by different rootstocks

Abstract

Seasonal element concentration (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) in leaves of ‘Forastero’ peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] grafted on different rootstocks were evaluated. The tested rootstocks were the seed propagated ‘Cuaresmillo’ and the in vitro propagated ‘Ferdor Julior’ (FJ), ‘Mr.S 2/5’ and ‘GF 655/2’. Nitrogen and phosphorus decreased at 60 and 120 days after full bloom, while potassium and calcium had a slight increment. Magnesium showed an increment only in ‘Forastero’/‘Cuaresmillo’. Leaves from ‘Forastero’/‘Cuaresmillo’ showed higher Mg concentrations than leaves of ‘Forastero’ budded on the other rootstocks. Significant differences were found between seasons in all five analyzed elements.