LAUSR

ABSTRACT In order to determine the effects of autumn foliar application of boron (B) and/or urea on abortive flower ratio, yield, fruit weight, total soluble solid (TSS) and B and nitrogen (N) contents of reserves of non-irrigated apricot trees, field experiments were carried out between 2009 and 2012 in Malatya province of Turkey. The application of B and/or urea stimulated perfect flower development, B and N accumulation and resulted in significant yield increase. Boron, urea and B+urea applications increased fruit yield by 33.1%, 26.1% and 26.9%, decreased abortive flower ratio by 34.6%, 27.1% and 35.9% compared to the control, respectively. In addition, B and N contents of wood, bark and buds of apricot trees were significantly increased by B and/or urea treatments. It was also observed that B and N contents were the highest in bud compared to wood and bark in all treatments. The highest B (16.53 ppm) and N (1.56%) contents were determined to buds in B+urea treatment. The results of this study suggest that autumn foliar B and/or urea application have the potential to decrease abortive flower ratio and increase the yield and B and N contents of reserves of apricot trees under non-irrigated conditions.