Influence of fruit development on seasonal elemental concentrations and distribution in fruit and leaves of pecan

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Abstract
The elemental concentrations of leaves and fruits were monitored during one season on fruiting and vegetative pecan shoots. Pecan fruit and leaves of fruiting and vegetative shoots on 31‐year‐old ‘Western’ pecan trees were collected biweekly from May 15 through October 15, 1982 and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Mn were greater in leaves of fruiting shoots. The N concentration was higher in leaves of fruiting shoots the first ten weeks, then was significantly less in leaves on fruiting shoots the latter part of the season. K concentration was lower in leaves of fruiting shoots than vegetative shoots from June 25 through Oct. 15. Leaf P concentration did not appear to be influenced by fruiting. Content of N,K,P, and Zn in the fruit increased slowly until the tenth week after full bloom, then rapidly until fruit maturity. Ca, Mg and Mn accumulation in the fruit was linear throughout fruit development. Fe increased rapidly during early kernel development, then decreased as the fruit matured. Dry weight and volume of the fruit also increased slowly until the tenth week, followed by a rapid increase until maturity. The kernel contained more N, P, Zn, and Fe at maturity than the shuck or shell. K, Mn, Ca and Mg were highest in the shuck.