Zinc sulfate, sugar alcohol zinc sprays improve apple quality

Study recommends continuing zinc application at critical stages on apple trees

2013-11-19

(Press-News.org) Contact information: Michael W. Neff
mwneff@ashs.org
703-836-4606
American Society for Horticultural Science
Zinc sulfate, sugar alcohol zinc sprays improve apple quality Study recommends continuing zinc application at critical stages on apple trees

SHANDONG PROVINCE, CHINA--Zinc is vital for the healthy growth and reproduction of all organisms. In plants, zinc plays a key role in essential functions such as carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, and sugar and starch synthesis. Apple, one of the world's most popular fruits, tends to be highly susceptible to zinc deficiency. A new study in HortTechnology recommends new protocols for using zinc sprays at critical stages on apple trees in order to enhance fruit quality.

Researchers sprayed 'Gala' and 'Fuji' apple trees in China with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and sugar alcohol zinc separately during four different developmental stages: 2 weeks before budbreak, 3 weeks after bloom, the termination of spring shoot growth, and 4 weeks before harvest. They then harvested the apples at maturity and analyzed the fruit for quality and zinc concentration.

According to the report, zinc sprays during the four different developmental stages increased zinc concentration of peeled and washed fruit at harvest without phytotoxicity. The treatments 3 weeks after bloom and 4 weeks before harvest increased average fruit weight of both 'Gala' and 'Fuji' apples. Other combinations of treatments were determined to increase fruit firmness, soluble sugar, and vitamin C levels in the cultivars. The scientists said that the effects of sugar alcohol zinc applications were equal to and "more pronounced" than those of ZnSO4.

"Although the apple trees showed no zinc deficiency symptoms and the leaf zinc nutrition was at a low level, continuing zinc sprays on these trees was required to increase fruit quality," the researchers said. "We found that a single spray of sugar alcohol zinc was equal to or more effective than zinc sulfate at being absorbed by apple fruit tissue and improving fruit quality for trees grown under field conditions."

These experimental results offer new strategies for apple growers. Based on a cost analysis, the authors recommend that growers spray ZnSO4 or sugar alcohol zinc, with 0.1% zinc and 0.04% nitrogen in the spraying solution, on the abaxial/adaxial surfaces of apple leaves to runoff at 4 weeks before harvest.

INFORMATION:

The complete study and abstract are available on the ASHS HortTechnology electronic journal web site: http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/23/4/490.abstract

Founded in 1903, the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) is the largest organization dedicated to advancing all facets of horticultural research, education, and application. More information at ashs.org.

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Asteroids' close encounters with Mars

2013-11-19

Asteroids' close encounters with Mars CAMBRIDGE, MA -- For nearly as long as astronomers have been able to observe asteroids, a question has gone unanswered: Why do the surfaces of most asteroids appear redder than meteorites — the remnants of asteroids ...

Researchers classify urban residential desert landscapes

2013-11-19

Researchers classify urban residential desert landscapes Information helps residents and planners create landscape budgets, manage water resources LAS CRUCES, NM--A new study contains valuable information for homeowners and horticulturalists ...

New bale unroller design deemed effective

2013-11-19

New bale unroller design deemed effective Offset round-bale unroller makes mulching more efficient in organic mulch trials LEXINGTON, KY--John Wilhoit and Timothy Coolong from the University of Kentucky have introduced a new technology that ...

First-ever survey of Do-It-Yourself Biology community challenges myths

2013-11-19

First-ever survey of Do-It-Yourself Biology community challenges myths Poll finds 'DIYers' working at community labs on benign, educational experiments WASHINGTON—As the Do-It-Yourself Biology ...

Study: Odds of rehospitalization of cognitively impaired varies by discharge destination

2013-11-19

Study: Odds of rehospitalization of cognitively impaired varies by discharge destination INDIANAPOLIS -- Cognitively impaired older adults released from the hospital are less likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days if they go to a nursing home than if they return ...

Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth

2013-11-19

Phthalate exposure linked to preterm birth ANN ARBOR—The odds of preterm birth for women exposed to a commonly used class of chemicals known as phthalates are increased significantly, according to a new study from the University of Michigan School of Public ...

Non-specialist health workers play important role in improving mental health in developing countries

2013-11-19

Non-specialist health workers play important role in improving mental health in developing countries New research shows benefits for people with depression, anxiety, dementia, maternal depression, post traumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse Non-specialist ...

Corticosteroid added to standard treatment improves eyesight in patients with sudden vision loss

2013-11-19

Corticosteroid added to standard treatment improves eyesight in patients with sudden vision loss According to study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience Amsterdam, NL, November 19, 2013 – Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is one of the ...

Blood test accurately diagnoses concussion and predicts long term cognitive disability

2013-11-19

Blood test accurately diagnoses concussion and predicts long term cognitive disability Penn medicine researchers discover that high levels of a protein in blood after traumatic brain injury correlate with brain tissue damage PHILADELPHIA ...

'GUMBOS' promise new drugs and electronics: American Chemical Society Prized Science video

2013-11-19

'GUMBOS' promise new drugs and electronics: American Chemical Society Prized Science video A group of nanoparticles called "GUMBOS" is as varied as their culinary namesake implies, with a wide range of potential applications from cancer therapy to sensors. ...

Scientists uncover the first clear evidence of air sacs in the fossilized bones of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs: the "hollow bones" which help modern day birds to fly

Alcohol makes male flies sexy

TB patients globally often incur "catastrophic costs" of up to $11,329 USD, despite many countries offering free treatment, with predominant drivers of cost being hospitalization and loss of income

Zinc sulfate, sugar alcohol zinc sprays improve apple quality

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: