Differential Accumulation of Mineral Elements in the Leaves of Seedling Progenies of Seven Apple Cultivars1

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Abstract
Highly significant differences in the leaf content of 10 mineral elements occurred between seedling progenies of 7 apple cultivars. Correlations involving all 10 elements occurred between leaf contents of element pairs. A very high correlation between the accumulation of Ca and Mg suggests a common mechanism for the uptake and translocation of these elements. The wide variations between and within progenies indicate the feasibility of selecting rootstocks highly efficient in the uptake of specific nutrients. The proper use as graft components of stocks so selected offers extensive possibilities for the manipulation of the mineral composition of the scion and, thus, the control of nutrient related disorders. Tree-to-tree differences in such disorders in orchards on seedling rootstocks may be accounted for on the basis of differential nutrient uptake.

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