Methods for Nutrient Diagnosis of Fruit Trees Early in the Growing Season by Using Simultaneous Multi-element Analysis

Abstract

Fruit tree nutrition is one of the most important factors in terms of growth and productivity. Measurement of nutritional requirements is an important aspect of nutrient management because nutritional disorders reduce yield and fruit quality. This review explores how nutrient imbalances affect the yield and fruit quality of fruit trees, and presents methods for diagnosing fruit tree nutritional disorders in order to correct nutritional deficiencies. In orchards, differences between soil sampling sites and locations of fruit tree roots when the root system is deep and unevenly distributed make it difficult to obtain representative soil samples from which to measure the forms of nutrients available to the trees. The delayed response of fruit trees to fertilizer applications compared with annual crops makes it difficult to determine their nutritional status through soil analysis immediately after application. In addition to soil analysis, plant tissue analysis is used to determine nutritional status and fruit tree nutritional requirements. In particular, earlier analysis in the growing season could allow sufficient time to correct any deficiencies before harvest. A recent approach that relies on analysis of the ionome, which is defined as the entire mineral nutrient and trace element complement in an organism, through simultaneous quantitative measurement enables comprehensive evaluation of multi-element composition. This approach could be especially effective as major decreases in yield and fruit quality are often caused by the interaction of several elements. Until recently, studies of fruit tree nutritional disorders have focused on particular nutrients, not multiple elements. Therefore, the application of ionomic analysis is a promising approach to elucidate multi-element interactions for accurate diagnosis of nutritional disorders.