The effects of copper nutrition on fruit cracking and quality in cherry (Prunus avium L.) and other fruit crops

Abstract

A positive relationship between foliar copper levels and fruit firmness in apricots was established in the late 1980's. A review of the literature and discussions with both national and international researchers led to research upon the influence of foliar applied copper on fruit quality. Studies were initiated using cherries, which in addition to being a soft fruit also suffer from rain induced fruit cracking. Results of initial studies suggested that the treatment should be applied to other fruit crops to determine if similar responses occur in these. To this end two further experiments were conducted on apples. As a result of this research, a practical means of reducing rain induced damage to cherries was developed. This finding has major ramifications for all cherry growing regions of the world.

Date of Award	1997
Original language	English