Seasonal Changes in the Leaf Macro and Micronutrients in Apricot cv. New Castle

Leaf analysis is a good indicator of nutritional levels of plants. Seasonal changes in the leaf macro and micronutrients in apricot were studied at 15 days interval, 1st and 15th of each month, starting from 1st May to 1st September. Fifty leaflets along with petiole were collected randomly from all compass sides of the selected trees. The data revealed that changes in leaf macro and micronutrients occurred throughout the growing period. Leaf content of N increased early in the season to reach its highest value on June 15, and thereafter decreased with the advancement of growing season. Leaf P and Zn content decreased throughout the growing season. Leaf K content increased significantly early in the season and reached its highest value on June 1 and thereafter, declined throughout the growing season. Leaf Ca and Fe content showed an increased trend throughout the growing season. Mg content of apricot leaves increased upto August 1 and then declined significantly upto last sampling date. However, Cu content of apricot leaves showed an increasing trend upto July 15 and then declined significantly with the advancement of growing season.