Effect of foliar fertilization of microelements on highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corumbosum L.) nutrient status and yield components in cutover peatlands

ArticleThe commercial cultivation of highbush blueberry in Latvia was successfully started during the last 20 years. In 2018, there was an estimated 280 ha of highbush blueberries planted in Latvia with increasing annual hectarage. In general, blueberry is a highly specialized crop that has definite soil agrochemical and climatic requirements: it has low nutrient needs and is sensitive to excessive nutrient levels in the soil. However, balanced and precise mineral nutrition is essential for producing high and quality yield. The study was conducted in the producing planting of highbush blueberry, cultivar ‘Patriot’, during the vegetation season of 2018. The research was carried out to determine the effect of foliar fertilization with micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, B) on the productivity, the content of mineral elements in leaves and photosynthesis of blueberries. Field experiment design included foliar fertilizer treatments 0 to 3 times per season. In general, our results revealed that foliar sprays with micronutrients had a positive effect on the berry yield, parameters of photosynthesis and microelement content in leaves of highbush blueberry. It was determined that the application of the foliar fertilizer 4 times per season provided the highest berry yield (134% compared to control) and the highest photosynthetic activity of plants. Our study suggests that correct foliar fertilization can optimize the content of Fe, Zn and B in blueberry leaves

Leaf nutrient status of tomatoes in coconut coir medium – differences in cultivars, impact on yield and quality

Received: January 29th, 2021 ; Accepted: May 12th, 2021 ; Published: June 22nd, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected] coir as an alternative to rockwool is increasingly used as a substrate for soilless hydroponic greenhouse production of tomatoes. However, little is known about the nutrient status of tomatoes in coconut coir, especially under intensive production conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutrient status of different tomato cultivars (orange plum ‘Organza F1’, red cherry ‘Daltary RZ F1’, red large fruit-sized ‘Securitas RZ F1’ and pink large fruit-sized ‘Fujimaru F1’) under industrial greenhouse production, using coconut coir as a substrate to reveal nutrient imbalances, their impact on tomato yield and quality, and cultivar differences. Essential nutrient and leaf SPAD value was detected for the youngest fully developed leaves and the old still vital leaves twice per month from April to August 2020. The total yield, marketable and non-marketable yield was regularly determined. During the crop cycle, the content of most of the nutrients in tomato leaves corresponded to the standard range reported for tomatoes. Only some imbalances were found: all cultivars were characterized by low Zn and high S levels in both young and old leaves. The obtained results identified several differences between the cultivars: cherry tomatoes 'Daltary' had significantly higher N, K, Fe and Zn in leaves compared to other cultivars. The lowest N, Fe and Cu were determined for large fruit-sized ‘Securitas’. Regardless of the nutrient status and microclimate conditions, the marketable yield of ‘Daltary’, ‘Organza’ and ‘Securitas’ was almost 100%, indicating on high suitability of these cultivars for hydroponic cultivation in coconut coir

Research on the mineral composition of cultivated and wild blueberries and cranberries

ArticleEuropean cranberry ( Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) and European bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are among the most popular wild - harvested fruits in Latvia, traditionally used in folk - medicine and food. The commercial cultivation of American cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) and highbush blueber ry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.) was successfully started during last 20 years. With a berry production increase due to considerable hectarage of plantings and growing consumer interest in health - improving foods cultivated blueberries and cranberries have foun d a place in a daily intake as an excellent source of phenolic and nutritive compounds, vitamins and minerals. As the chemical composition of Vaccinium spp . has an important implication on human health, detailed information on the nutritional content of berries are of special importance. The aim of this study was to compare the contents of twelve biologically essential elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, B) in b erries of four Vaccinium species: cultivated and wild blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium myrtillus ) and cranberries ( Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccus ). Together 136 (leaf and berry) samples were collected from 7 main cranberry and blueberry producing sites and 17 native woodland areas and bogs in Latvia. A comparison of wild and cultivated species showed similar concentrations for the macroelements K, Ca and S in cranberry and N, P in blueberry fruits. While statistically significa nt differences were found for N, P and Mg in case of cranberries and Ca, K, Mg and S for blueberries. The research revealed statistically significant differences of most micronutrients in cultivated and wild berries. Plant leaf and fruit analysis revealed the organ - specific distribution of mineral elements in all species studied. In most of the cases, leaf analysis supported concentration differences in fruits

Effect of fertilization on growth of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)

Received: January 29th, 2021 ; Accepted: April 10th, 2021 ; Published: April 20th, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected], most of the global berry crop of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. is obtained from wild berries. In recent years, however, their cultivation has become slightly more widespread, especially as demand has increased. As the commercial production of lingonberries is a completely new fruit-growing sector in Latvia, research on mineral nutrition, development of the crop production system and proper fertilizer management is critically important. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of different fertilizer rates on the nutrient status of lingonberry plant tissues and plant growth performance. Field experiments with the lingonberry variety ‘Runo Bielawskie’ were carried out during the 2019 and 2020 cropping season. Experimental plantations were established on an excavated peat bog in Latvia. Lingonberry plants received 4 different levels of complex and foliar fertilizers. Leaf analyses and soil (peat) testing were used as diagnostics tools to reveal nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, B), soil pH and EC status. In general, plant growth characteristics were significantly affected by different levels of fertilizer. The results showed that the highest fertilizer rates resulted in a larger shrub diameter, the highest total number of rhizomes and shoots of a mother plant

Effects of fertilization on Picea abies stands situated on drained peat soils

ArticleNorway spruce used for afforestation of drained peat soils frequently has low productivity and decay in a long - term, which could be related to soil chemical composition and nutrient status. The research aim was to elucidate the effect of PSM on new Norway spruce plantings (1st experiment) and 20 - year - old spruce stands (2nd experiment) on drained peat soils by evaluating: (1) nutrient accumulation in soil - plant system, (2) soil microbiological activity, (3) health status of spruce individuals, (4) growth int ensity and productivity of spruce, (5) changes in composition of vascular plant and moss species. The study was conducted at two forest ( Myrtillosa turf.mel .) sites in Latvia, each consisting of two plots: control and treated with PMS (100 g m - 2 in Septemb er 2007, 50 g m - 2 in April 2008). During 2008 – 2016, regular analysis of soil, spruce needles, soil microbiology, assessment of tree crown vitality, stand productivity, inventory of vascular plant and moss species were done. The results showed that the fert ilization with PMS resulted in a significantly improved K, Ca, Zn, and N status of trees, crown vitality and up to three times increased tree growth parameters at both experiments during the study period. The average count of bacteria and fungi in soil of fertilized plots, accompanied by a remarkable variability in the study years, was significantly higher only for the 1 st experiment. Fungi : bacteria ratio for the fertilized and control plots differed significantly only for the 1 st experiment. Significant i ncrease of cover with nitrophilic plant ( Urtica dioica, Antriscus sylvestris, Rubus idaeus ) and moss ( Plagiomnium cuspidatum , P. ellipticum ) species at both fertilized sites were stated