Sweet cherry leaf composition as influenced by genotype, rootstock and orchard management

In one of the most important Italian regions for sweet cherry cultivation (Vignola), 2 orchards under conventional and organic management were considered. In both orchards leaf analyses were conducted on 3 cultivars (Burlat C1, Cristalina and Giorgia) grafted on 2 different rootstocks (Colt and MaxMa 14). No mineral fertilizers were applied in the orchard under organic management. In general, the mineral elements levels were low for N, Mn and Zn and acceptable or adequate for the other elements considered. The influence of genotype, rootstock and orchard management is discussed. The results showed that differences in mineral element composition were influenced by genotype and rootstock, while management didn’t have a strong influence. In particular, genotype affected P and B concentrations and rootstock modified P, K and B concentrations.