Evaluation of quince clones for tolerance to iron chlorosis on calcareous soil under field conditions

Thirteen quince clones, originated in previous studies, were evaluated for tolerance to iron chlorosis in a three years experiment carried out on a highly calcareous soil under field conditions. Chlorosis severity was determined by SPAD values and growth by shoot length increase. Two clones were identified as the most tolerant and the rest exhibited a susceptible or intermediate behavior. In general, chlorosis increased with the season and with the years, reaching the highest severity in summer and in the third year. The most tolerant clones maintained a lower chlorosis severity and a better growth than the rest of the clones during most of the experimental period. At the beginning of the third growing season, some very chlorotic plants received chelated-Fe in the soil and responded with a rapid and continuous recovery. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.