RESPONSE OF 'LE-CONTE' PEAR TREES TO SOIL BORON APPLICATION

Effect of boron (B) application on vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality and leaf mineral contents of ‘Le-Conte’ pear trees was studied under field conditions. Boron at 0, 200, 400 and 600 mg L-1 B/tree was applied as soil application three times (i) before bloom (BB) (at green and white bud stage and when 1-5% of flowers were at full bloom), (ii) after bloom (AB) on 15 June, (iii) after harvest (AH) (at approximately 6 weeks before leaf fall). Boron application reduced vegetative growth parameters (shoot length, % of increase in trunk circumference and trunk cross sectional area). Applying B after harvest resulted in the highest fruit set and fruit retention percentages, in addition to total yield. Fruit physical and chemical properties and leaf contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and B were improved due to B application. The recommended economic treatment is to apply B at 400 mg L-1 after harvest (AH).