EFFECT OF IRON CHLOROSIS ON MINERAL-COMPOSITION OF PEACH LEAVES

The effect of iron (Fe) chlorosis on the mineral composition and the ratios of nutrient elements of field grown peach tree leaves was studied in the Antalya region. It was found that the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Fe Index, and P/Fe ratio were higher in chlorotic leaves than the green ones. But extractable Fe [by 1N hydrochloric acid (HCl)] content was higher in the green leaves. The chlorophyll content of leaves was negatively correlated with the N, P, and K contents, Fe Index, and P/Fe ratio, while positively with extractable Fe. It seems that in addition to the chlorophyll and extractable Fe content, the Fe Index and P/Fe ratio were thought reliable criteria for assessing Fe chlorosis in the peach trees in the Antalya region.