Standardization of sample size for leaf analysis to determine the nutritional status of apple leaves (variety “Red Delicious”) undertemperate climatic conditions

The present study was carried out for studying mineral composition of leaves of apple cultivar “Red Delicious” trees as affected by sample size. Leaf samples of different sizes (10 to 70) were collected and analyzed for standardization of sample size for leaf analysis. It was found that the leaf samples consisting of 10 to 30 leaves showed wide variation with regard to N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and B content while samples of leaves consisting of 40 to 70 leaves showed least variation with regard to these macro and micro nutrient content of apple leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to draw a sample of atleast 40 leaves to diagnose the nutrient status of apple leaves (Variety “Red Delicious”).