Effects of acid rain on apple tree productivity and fruit quality
Mature McIntosh, Empire, and Golden Delicious apple trees (Malus domestica) were sprayed with simulated acid rain solutions in the pH range of 2.5 to 5.5 at full bloom in 1980 and 1981. In 1981, weekly sprays were applied at pH 2.75 and pH 3.25. Necrotic lesions developed on apple petals at pH 2.5 with slight injury appearing at pH 3.0 and 3.5. Apple foliage had no acid rain lesions at any of the pH levels tested. Pollen germination was reduced at pH 2.5 in Empire. Slight fruit set reduction at pH 2.5 was observed in McIntosh. Even at the lowest pH levels no detrimental effects of simulated acid rain were found on apple tree productivity and fruit quality when measured as fruit set, seed number per fruit, and fruit size and appearance.
- Research Organization:
- New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva (USA). Dept. of Pomology and Viticulture
- OSTI ID:
- 5594598
- Report Number(s):
- PB-86-164936/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
AIR POLLUTION
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEDERAL REGION II
FRUIT TREES
GAMETES
GERM CELLS
GERMINATION
INJURIES
MATURATION
NAPAP
NEW YORK
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
POLLEN
POLLUTION
RAIN
REDUCTION
TREES
USA
WATER POLLUTION
YIELDS