Exploring Nutritional Dynamics and Correlations of Macro- and Micronutrients in Leaves, Pulp, and Peel of Sweet Orange Varieties During Fruit Development
摘要
We examined the nutritional concentration of fruit pulp, peel, and leaves in three sweet orange cultivars (‘Earlygold,’ ‘Ruby Nucellar,’ and ‘Westin’) during the fruit development periods. The analysis focused on the essential nutrients in the different tissues as well as their correlation with the accumulation of dry matter. The results demonstrate a dynamic progression of nutrient levels throughout the various developmental stages. The abundance of macro- and micro-contents in the leaves was nitrogen > potassium > calcium > phosphorus > magnesium. Moreover, iron and zinc also displayed characteristic patterns of change, with the fruit peel generally containing higher levels than the pulp. Leaf nutrients were strongly correlated with the accumulation of peel, pulp, and dry matter, highlighting the significant role of foliar nutrition in fruit quality development. The results of the study contribute toward a better understating of the nutritional dynamics of sweet orange cultivars, which can help with cultivation techniques and cultivar selection that yields desired nutritional profiles.