Abstract: In order to screen out the major mineral elements that affect fruit quality for the purpose of providing a theoretical basis for rational fertilization to improve fruit quality and economic benefits in pear orchards, the correlation and path coefficients between mineral elements and fruit quality indicators in six Korla fragrant pear varieties were computed by using correlation and path analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences in fruit quality traits and mineral elements contents between the varieties. The coefficient of variation (CV) of stone cell content was larger than that of other quality indices, while the CV of soluble solid content was smaller. The CV of P content was larger than that of other mineral elements, and the CV of Mg content was smaller. Correlation analysis indicated that there was a simple correlation between some fruit quality traits and some mineral elements. Path analysis further demonstrated that Ca had the maximum positive direct effects on single fruit mass, firmness and soluble solid content, N showed the maximum positive direct effects on soluble sugar, titratable acid and vitamin C content, P had the maximum positive direct effects on the ratio of soluble sugar to titratable acid and stone cell content. On the other hand, Cu had the maximum negative direct effects on fruit firmness, soluble solid and stone cell content, Fe had the maximum negative direct effects on titratable acid and vitamin C content, Zn had the maximum negative direct effects on soluble sugar content, and N had the maximum negative direct effects on single fruit mass and the ratio of soluble sugar to titratable acid. Reasonable proportions of various mineral nutrient elements in fertilizers are required for better production of pear.

Key words: Korla fragrant pear, fruit quality, mineral elements, correlation, path analysis