Vegetative and fruiting behaviour of semi-soft pear strains in relation to nutrient status

Leaf analysis of 9–10 years old thirteen strains of semi-soft pear for macro and micronutrients and their correlation with tree volume, bearing behaviour and total soluble solids were carried out. Nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese and copper showed a positive and significant correlation with tree volume, whereas it was negatively correlated with potassium, zinc and iron. There was also a positive but non-significant correlation of tree volume with calcium and magnesium. On the basis of tree volume, the strain II followed by strain I, VII and VIII were found to be more efficient in nutrient uptake and utilization as compared to other strains. Leaf N, P, Ca, Mn and Cu showed significantly positive correlation with fruit yield. Whereas, the correlation was positive but non significant with K, Fe, and Zn. Similarly, in case of yield, strain II showed highest yield as compared to other strains. The correlation of TSS with leaf nutrients was found to be non-significant, except K which showed a positive and significant correlation. On the basis of efficiency in nutrient uptake and utilization, vigorous growth and regular in bearing, the strains I, II, VII and VIII were found to be promising under agro-climatic conditions of Punjab.