Microelements content in leaves of raspberry cv. Willamette as affected by foliar nutrition and substrates

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivar Willamette has long been the most commonly grown raspberry cultivar in Serbia, which is owing to high adaptability of the cultivar to respective agro-environmental conditions. Massive dieback of full bearing plantings is a major problem in raspberry growing hence quality planting material is a must when establishing new raspberry plantings. The study was conducted under protected conditions (in screenhouse) on plants obtained by micropropagation in vitro. In order to achieve optimal vegetative potential, plants were grown for two consecutive years (2004-2005) on two substrates (Steckmedium and Seedling) using three foliar fertilizers (Wuxal, Murtonik and Ferticare). The study revealed optimal vegetative growth in plants studied, excess manganese (150.60-214.52 mg/g), optimum iron content (94.00-123.50 mg/g), and zinc (28.60-31.00 mg/g) and copper (3.10-4.00 mg/g) deficiencies, based on the referent values of microelements content. The assessment of nutritional status of plants by the DOP index suggested significant differences in microelements imbalance when different foliar fertilizers and substrates are applied.