SPECIFIC LEAF WEIGHT AND LEAF NITROGEN CONCENTRATION DURING THE PHENOLGY OF JAPANESE PLUM CV. METHLEY

Abstract

Aim: To determine the tendencies and effects of Specific Leaf Weight and Leaf Nitrogen Concentration during the phenology of Japanese Plum cv. Methley.
Design/methodology/approach: Twenty healthy trees with excellent general structure were selected through a quota sampling. The dates of beginning and end of the phenological phases were determined. Statistical correlations were made between Specific Leaf Weight and Leaf Nitrogen Concentration with phenological phases that implied a logical relationship between variables and a bivariate distribution. The degree and type of association between variables was analyzed through Spearman correlation coefficients using the SAS|CORR procedure in SAS_studio University Version 2016 for Windows.
Results: The highest Specific Leaf Weight in 2015 and 2016 occurred during harvest maturity, and in both years decreased during the last period of vegetative growth; this index is significantly correlated with the vegetative and fruit growth. In 2015 and 2016, the highest Leaf Nitrogen Concentration occurred during harvest maturity; in both years the lowest Leaf Nitrogen Concentration occurred during the last stage of fruit growth and development; this index has a significant negative correlation with the vegetative and fruit growth.
Study limitations/implications: Such Specific Leaf Weight as Leaf Nitrogen Concentration decreased during fruit growth and development, affecting fruit percentage.
Findings/conclusions: Radical accumulation influences the decrease of Specific Leaf Weight and Leaf Nitrogen Concentration in Japanese plum cv. Methley.