Co-Authors:
Bar-Tal, A., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Volcani Research Center, Agricultural Research Organisation, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Yermiyahu, U., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Gilat Research Center, Agricultural Research Organisation, Mobile Post Negev 2, 85280, Israel
Keinan, M., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Volcani Research Center, Agricultural Research Organisation, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Faingold, I., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Gilat Research Center, Agricultural Research Organisation, Mobile Post Negev 2, 85280, Israel
Ben-Gal, A., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Gilat Research Center, Agricultural Research Organisation, Mobile Post Negev 2, 85280, Israel
Abstract:
Little information exists regarding boron (B) deficiency and toxicity in persimmon. The objective of this study was to quantify the response of young persimmon trees to a wide range of B concentrations - from deficiency to excess. Persimmon trees (Diospyrus kaki L. 'Triumph' on D. virginiana) were exposed to nutrient solutions containing B concentrations of 0.15,0.33,0.59,1.01,1.75,2.75, 3.67 or 7.38 mg B l-1. Boron accumulated in persimmon leaves linearly, as a function of increased concentration of B in the irrigation solution, exposure time, and age of the leaves. The highest levels of B were found at the end of the season and in the oldest leaves. Concentrations of B in leaves correlated with symptoms of B toxicity that appeared as chlorosis and necrosis of mature leaves, beginning at their margins. At low levels of B (0.15 and 0.33 mg l-1), canopy development was restricted. Optimum growth was obtained with a B concentration of 0.59 mg l-1 At high levels of B (≥ 1.0 mg l-1), substantial visible symptoms of B toxicity were observed, and total accumulated biomass production was reduced.