Mineral composition of the fruits of five quince cultivars in the Portuguese region of Alcobaça

Abstract

The mineral composition of the fruits depends on the species, the nutritional status of the plants, soil fertility, climate conditions and the cultural practices.

The present study aimed to evaluate mineral nutrient accumulation in peel and pulp of the fruits of five quince cultivars grown in the Portuguese Region of Alcobaça, to provide information to crop fertilization recommendations. In fresh fruits from quince cultivars, Gamboa, Champion, Giant of Vranja, Fabre and Portugal, the mineral contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B were determined.

 In peel the obtained range values for macro- and  micronutrients,  expressed  as  mg kg ^- 1 FW, were as folows: N [773; 1124], P [139; 286], K [1188; 1825], Ca [143; 212], Mg [105; 146], S [66; 109], Fe [2.84; 4.47], Mn [0.28; 0.59], Zn [1.59; 3.05],  Cu [1.19; 1.83] e B [1.97; 4.35].

In pulp the obtained range values for macro- and micronutrients, expressed as mg kg ^-1 FW, were as folows: N [343; 661], P [98; 170], K [1151; 1582], Ca [79; 106], Mg [53; 85], S [23; 49], Fe [0.90; 1.17], Mn [0.09; 0.21], Zn [0.92; 1.85], Cu [0.73; 1.05] e B [1.41; 3.06].

According to the obtained results, the fruits of Giant of Vranja and Fabre cultivars demonstrated the highest mineral contents, except for Mn. The level of the mineral nutrient accumulation in peel was always higher than in pulp. Giant of Vranja cultivar presented the highest content of all nutrients in pulp.