본 연구는 게르마늄(Ge) 처리 및 처리방법에 따른 배 '신고' 과실품질에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 실시하였다. 수확 6개월 후에 저온 저장된 과실을 분석한 결과 Ge처리에 의해서 배 '신고' 품종의 고유한 색깔을 나타내는 담황색을 많이 띄는 과실을 생산하였다. 과실의 형태나 무게는 Ge처리구와 대조구간에 유의성이 없었으며, Ge처리구는, 과실의 당산비를 높였다. 과실의 씹힙성을 저해하는 석세포 함량을 조사한 결과, 모든 Ge 처리구에서 대조구보

We investigated how Germanium (Ge) application, and the application method, affected 'Niitaka' (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruit quality in a conventional orchard. Ge-treated pears weredark yellow in color, indicating appropriate maturation. Other fruit characteristics, and weight, did not significantly differ between tests and controls. Compared to controls, fruit from Ge-treated trees had more soluble solids, a lower acid content, and fewer stone cells, which reduced fruit chewiness. Ge-treated trees showed a higher Ge concentration in fruit but a lower calcium (Ca) concentration. Other fruit mineral nutrients, includingP, K, and Mg, did not differ in level between Ge-treated fruit and controls. Ge-treated fruit showed greater firmness and a heavier specific weight during 6 months of storage, compared to control fruit. Therefore, Ge treatment reduced fruit pithiness, which can be a problem in 'Niitaka' pears. Overall, there was no significant difference between Ge-treated and control fruit qualities, but a combined Ge treatment (fertilization plus foliar application plus trunk injection) slightly improved fruit quality.

• 김태연
• 세실김월수
• 최현석