What is the role of zinc in apple production?
Pre-bloom applications of zinc can help aid the recovery of winter injured trees and also ensure supplies are not limiting during flowering and new fruit formation, as trials with Empire apples in Us show.
Zinc effect at growth stages
Stage | Zinc effect |
Bud Burst – Start of Flowering | To optimize bud burst and early leaf development |
Post Harvest | Replenish reserves and strengthen new buds |
Zinc deficiencies in apples
Symptoms occur in the spring and include chlorosis of the youngest shoot leaves, which are stunted and narrower than normal – ‘little leaf’.
Yellowing occurs between leaf veins and is less symmetrical than, for example manganese deficiency. The leaves may show a wavy margin. Blind bud and rosetting can also occur. Leaf symptoms are not strong in apples compared to other fruit trees.
Extreme deficiency results in shoot defoliation and the production of misshapen and poorly colored apples.
Related articles
Apple and pear nutritional summary
Apple agronomic principles
Apple nutrient requirements
Apple crop nutrition programme
Identify and diagnose apple nutrient deficiencies
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