A Comparison of the Effects of Several Foliar Forms of Magnesium Fertilization on ‘Superior Seedless’ (Vitis vinifera L.) in Saline Soils

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is the most essential element constituent in chlorophyll molecules that regulates photosynthesis processes. The physiological response of ‘Superior Seedless’ grapes was evaluated under different foliar magnesium fertilization such as sulfate magnesium (MgSO4·7 H2O), magnesium disodium EDTA (Mg-EDTA), and magnesium nanoparticles (Mg-NPs) during the berry development stages (flowering, fruit set, veraison, and harvest). In general, the ‘Superior Seedless’ vine had a higher performance in photosynthesis with Mg-NPs application than other forms. The Fy/Fm ratio declined rapidly after the fruit set stage; then, it decreased gradually up until the harvesting stage. However, both MgSO4 and Mg-EDTA forms showed slight differences in Fv/Fm ratio during the berry development stages. The outcomes of this research suggest that the Fv/Fm ratio during the growth season of the ‘Superior Seedless’ vine may be a good tool to assess magnesium fertilization effects before visible deficiency symptoms appear. Mg-NPs are more effective at improving ‘Superior Seedless’ berry development than the other magnesium forms. These findings suggest that applying foliar Mg-NPs to vines grown on salinity-sandy soil alleviates the potential Mg deficiency in ‘Superior Seedless’ vines and improves bunches quality.