ESTADO NUTRICIONAL DE ARBOLES DE MANZANO ‘ANNA’ DURANTE LA

Nutritional status may influence markedly the productivity

of ‘Anna’ apple trees through effect of nutrient elements

complex on development and fruit growth. Majority of

nutrient elements influence on growth and productivity

direct or indirectly as consequences of their sharing in

physiological processes. The monthly nutrient contents of

‘Anna’ apple trees in leaves and fruits that grow under acid

soil in the Colombian highlands was evaluated from 16

days after full bloom to the harvest time. The nutrient contents

in shoots were evaluated both before (at defoliation

time) and after (at the harvest time) the season. Iron and

copper contents in shoots were higher after than before

the season. On the contrary, the content of the remaining

minerals were higher before than after the season. Nitrogen,

boron, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur increased

their foliar levels from 16 to 46 days after full bloom, but

declined after 46 days after full bloom to the harvest time.

Contents of foliar calcium, manganese, and copper were

progressively higher as the season advanced. Potassium,

iron, sodium and zinc contents in leaves were oscillatory

along the season. Fruit content of nitrogen, potassium,

magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur were progressively

lower from 46 days after full bloom to the harvest time. On

the other hand, calcium, iron and copper increased their

levels in fruits as the season advanced. Boron and sodium

contents in fruits were oscillatory along the season. This

paper provides information about the nutritional status of

‘Anna’ apple trees cultivated in the Colombian highlands

and the effect of mineral content in leaves and shoots on

mineral content in fruits.