Mineral Element Changes in Pistachio Leaves1

Concentrations of several mineral elements in leaflets of Pistacia vera L. cv. Kerman, did not differ significantly with leaflet position. Thus, leaflets may be used instead of whole leaves in leaf sampling. Analyses of leaflets indicated that N, P, and Zn concn were relatively high initially. They then dropped rapidly during leaf expansion, reaching a steady state in early summer. Manganese increased from an initially low level and then remained fairly constant. Potassium, Mg, Cl, and B behaved similarly to Mn, but reached constant levels later in the season. Leaves from bearing branches were lower in N and P, but higher in K than leaves from nonbearing branches. It is recommended, in determining mineral element status, that leaves from nonbearing branches be sampled during the month prior to harvest, as most elements are then at a steady state.