ISHS Acta Horticulturae 297: II International Symposium on Kiwifruit
THE EFFECT OF NUTRITION ON THE STORAGE QUALITY OF KIWIFRUIT (A REVIEW) |
| Authors: | M. Prasad, T.M. Spiers |
| Keywords: | nitrogen, nitrate-N, fruit N, Ca dips, N:Ca ratio, botrytis, Actinidia deliciosa |
| Abstract:
New Zealand kiwifruit are sometimes successfully held in storage for up to 9 months. Losses can be significant, primarily due to premature softening and storage rots. It is generally believed that nutrition has no major effect on postharvest storage. Recent results, however, have shown that excessive N application can cause premature fruit softening in storage. Both fruit N and leaf petiole nitrate at harvest were significantly related to the rate of softening. In some instances, fruit Ca was also related to fruit softening. Postharvest calcium treatment of fruit dramatically retarded the rate of softening during storage, but caused fruit pitting in many cases. Other nutrients such as B and Cl can also affect fruit softening. The incidence of botrytis storage rot was linked to N:Ca ratio in the fruit. | |
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