Defoliation and Fruit Coloration in ‘Fuji’/M.9 Apple Affected by Cu-EDTA and Fe-EDTA Foliar Spray

• Published in: Weon'ye gwahag gi'sulji Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 448 - 454
• Main Authors: Lim, Heon-Kyu, Shin, Hyunsuk, Son, In-Chang, Oh, Youngjae, Kim, Keumsun, Han, Hyeondae, Oh, Sewon, Kim, Daeil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국원예학회 01.08.2019
• Subjects: 농학
• ISSN: 2465-8588; 1226-8763; 1226-8763; 2465-8588
• DOI: 10.7235/HORT.20190045

The objective of this study was to determine whether two chelate compounds (Cu-EDTA and Fe-EDTA)applied as a foliar spray could effectively defoliate ‘Fuji’/M.9 apple trees and improve fruit qualityand fruit coloration. Foliar spray with these two chelate compounds at 30 days before harvestsignificantly defoliated fruit cluster leaves, which improved light interception of ‘Fuji’/M.9 appletrees. However, Cu-EDTA non-selectively defoliated bourse shoot leaves and true leaves, whichare involved in photosynthesis during the late period of fruit growth. Cu-EDTA markedly reducedfruit weight, soluble solids content, and fruit coloration compared to Fe-EDTA. Regarding Fe-EDTAconcentration, 3% Fe-EDTA was more effective at enhancing fruit coloration but lowered fruitweight compared to 1% Fe-EDTA. Consequently, we found that 1% Fe-EDTA induced moreselective defoliation of fruit cluster leaves than Cu-EDTA and was more effective in improving fruitquality and fruit coloration of ‘Fuji’ apple trees. KCI Citation Count: 0