Work

Effects of Preharvest Calcium Foliar Sprays on Several Fruit Quality Attributes and Nutritional Status of the Kiwifruit Cultivar Tsechelidis

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: The effect of various commercial calcium (Ca) -containing products applied as preharvest foliar sprays on several fruit quality attributes and nutritional status of the kiwifruit cultivar Tsechelidis for a 2-year period is reported. Foliar application of all Ca products plus boron did not affect mean fruit weight compared with the control. During the first year, the highest flesh firmness was measured after application of the Ca-containing products Acid CaLMg and Calfruit plus Qualyfruit. During the second year, the highest flesh firmness was measured after application of the product Acid CaLMg. The highest ascorbic acid content and total antioxidant power were recorded after application of the product Chelan CaP. Foliar application of Power-Ca resulted in an increase of Ca concentration of leaves compared with the control for the first year. During the second year, all Ca-containing products increased Ca concentration of leaves compared with the control. Foliar application of Calfruit plus Qualyfruit, Chelan CaP, Power Ca, and Acid CaLMg resulted in an increase of Ca concentration of fruits compared with the control. The efficacy of the foliar sprays on some of the tested parameters varied from year to year indicating the influence of other parameters on vine nutrition.

Source: HortScience

DOI: 10.21273/hortsci.45.6.984