Feeding Young Apples Quiz Quiz

Explore the essentials of apple plant nutrition with these straightforward questions, perfect for beginners interested in growing healthy young apple trees. Discover key nutrients, common deficiencies, and optimal fertilization techniques.

1. Essential Macronutrient for Apples

   Which macronutrient is primarily responsible for the vigorous leafy growth of young apple trees in spring?

   1. Potassium
   2. Iron
   3. Calcium
   4. Nitrogen

   Explanation: Nitrogen is crucial for leafy and vegetative growth, especially in the early development of apples. Potassium and calcium play important roles in fruit quality and cell strength but are less directly responsible for leafy growth. Iron is a micronutrient needed in small amounts, mainly for chlorophyll production.

2. Symptom Identification

   A young apple tree shows yellowing between the leaf veins while the veins remain green. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely?

   1. Phosphorus
   2. Boron
   3. Magnesium
   4. Zinc

   Explanation: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) is a classic symptom of magnesium deficiency. Phosphorus deficiency often causes dark green or purplish leaves, boron deficiency leads to brittle new growth, and zinc deficiency affects shoot elongation and leaf size but not in this pattern.

3. Best Timing for Fertilization

   When is the best time to apply nitrogen fertilizer to young apple trees for maximum benefit?

   1. Early spring before bud break
   2. Mid-winter when plants are dormant
   3. During fruit thinning
   4. After harvest in late autumn

   Explanation: Applying nitrogen in early spring supports new shoot and leaf growth. Fertilizing in late autumn or mid-winter is not effective, as trees are not actively growing, and during fruit thinning the major growth period has passed.

4. Micronutrient Importance

   Why is boron important in the nutrition of young apple plants?

   1. It aids in cell wall formation and flower development
   2. It replaces the need for sunlight
   3. It increases resistance to fungal diseases
   4. It acts as the primary energy source

   Explanation: Boron is essential for proper cell wall formation and flower development, improving pollination and fruit set. It does not serve as an energy source, substitute for sunlight, or directly prevent fungal diseases.

5. Avoiding Fertilizer Burn

   Which of the following practices helps prevent fertilizer burn in young apple trees?

   1. Watering thoroughly after applying fertilizer
   2. Using only foliar sprays
   3. Fertilizing during heat waves
   4. Applying fertilizer close to the trunk

   Explanation: Watering helps dissolve and evenly distribute fertilizers, reducing salt buildup and root damage. Applying fertilizer near the trunk increases burn risk, foliar sprays do not avoid soil burn, and fertilizing in heat can stress plants further.