The effects of autumn foliar applications of boron and urea on flower quality, yield, boron and nitrogen reserves of apricot

In order to determine the effects of autumn foliar application of boron (B) and/or urea on abortive flower ratio, yield, fruit weight, total soluble solid (TSS) and B and nitrogen (N) contents of reserves of non-irrigated apricot trees, field experiments were carried out between 2009 and 2012 in Malatya province of Turkey. The application of B and/or urea stimulated perfect flower development, B and N accumulation and resulted in significant yield increase. Boron, urea and B+urea applications increased fruit yield by 33.1%, 26.1% and 26.9%, decreased abortive flower ratio by 34.6%, 27.1% and 35.9% compared to the control, respectively. In addition, B and N contents of wood, bark and buds of apricot trees were significantly increased by B and/or urea treatments. It was also observed that B and N contents were the highest in bud compared to wood and bark in all treatments. The highest B (16.53 ppm) and N (1.56%) contents were determined to buds in B+urea treatment. The results of this study suggest that autumn foliar B and/or urea application have the potential to decrease abortive flower ratio and increase the yield and B and N contents of reserves of apricot trees under non-irrigated conditions.