The Influence of Foliar Nutrition of Apple Trees with Silicon on Growth and Yield as Well as Mineral Content in Leaves and Fruits

The technology of producing fruits containing an increased amount of elements essential for the health of the human body, including silicon, has become very important in recent years. Due to the popularity of apple tree cultivation in Europe, appropriate research has been undertaken. The aim of the experiment was to determine the advisability of foliar silicon nutrition in apple tree cultivation. Apple cultivars 'Gala Schniga', 'Ligol' and 'Topaz' were studied and treated with three different doses of silicon (100, 200, 300 mg SiO2 center dot L-1). The treatments were performed five times during tree growth in the third year of cultivation from early June to late July. Foliar application of silicon did not improve the evaluated tree growth parameters. It significantly influenced, in the highest analysed concentration, a better fruit yield (12%), a higher yield coefficient, depending on the concentration, from 16 to 18%, a better fruit quality (weight and size) and a more extensive red blush. The considered cultivars differed in the growth and yield of trees in the third year of cultivation. 'Topaz' grew strongest and 'Ligol' yielded the best. The highest yield coefficient was found for the Topaz' cultivar. The fruit of 'Topaz' had the biggest blush and 'Gala Schniga' the biggest sugar content. Macro- and micro-nutrient nutritional status of trees were no better, except for iron and copper in leaves, and at some concentrations of applied silicon also zinc and copper in fruit.