Analysis of Soil and Leaf Characteristics of Pear Orchards with Lime-Induced Chlorosis Leaves

Physiological disorders in pear fruit are mainly caused by problems during the growing season, such as lack of calcium in the soil, poor drainage, low porosity, vigorous pruning, and excessive fruiting. In this study, soil physicochemical properties and leaf characteristics were analyzed in pear orchards in four regions of Korea where chlorosis symptoms occurred to determine the causes of chlorosis. The color of chlorotic leaves was diagnosed using the naked eye or SPAD and Hunter values. The soil of the chlorotic orchard had a significantly higher soil pH than that of the regular orchard. Although adequate soil depth was not significantly associated with chlorosis, combined with over-fertilization of the soil with lime, it could potentially impair plant iron uptake. Chlorotic leaves had significantly lower iron and calcium contents and significantly higher magnesium contents than those of regular leaves. Therefore, the intensive occurrence of chlorosis during secondary shoot development around June and July when it is hot and humid may be due to impaired iron and calcium absorption, leading to physiological disorders. To solve this problem, avoiding the over-application of lime and applying foliar fertilizers containing chelated iron is recommended.