The effect of some rootstock characteristics and root zone soil properties on mineral nutrition status of pear tree

In the study, some properties and mineral nutrient concentrations of the root zone soil and their effects on leaf nutrient concentrations were investigated in some pear varieties grafted on different rootstocks. The effect of rootstocks, cultivars and interactions of them on plant nutrient uptake has been determined. The study was carried out on Deveci, Santa Maria and Akça varieties grafted on QuinceA (QA), QuinceC (QC), BA29 and OHxF333 rootstocks. Soil samples collected from the root regions of the trees in five different periods were examined in terms of periodical changes of pH, organic matter, EC and CaCO3, total N, and plant available P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn. At the same time, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations were determined in leaf samples taken at the end of June. Although, there were quite variations in terms of perioodical some soil charecteristics and nutrients; N, P, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn and organic matter concentrations showed increment from march to july and the highest walue was measured on june. Although, there were differences in terms of soil nutrient concentrations among the varieties, nutrient concentrations (except for Cu and K) in Akca root zone were higher generally. With regard to leaf nutrient, significantly higher values for Mg and Mn in QA, P and Mg in QC and BA29, K in OHxF 333, Ca and Mg in Deveci, K and Cu in Santa Maria cultivar, and Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn in Akça were determined. As a result, it was found that rootstocks, cultivars and rootstock/cultivar combinations used in the study affected the amount of nutrients in the root region and leaves, and this effect also showed significant differences according to the varieties and periods. Keywords: Pear, rootstock, nutrient content, cultivar