ISHS Acta Horticulturae 379: International Symposium on Quality of Fruit and Vegetables: Influence of Pre- and Post- Harvest Factors and Technology
THE INFLUENCE OF PRE- AND POST- HARVEST APPLICATION OF SEAWEED EXTRACT ON EARLY PRODUCTION AND STORAGE OF CUCUMBER |
| Authors: | H.C. Passam, C.M. Olympios, K. Akoumianakis |
| Abstract:
Foliar application of a seaweed extract, Maxicrop Concentrate (50 ml 1-1), increased the rate of growth (recorded as plant height) and early yield of cucumber cv. Picolino but not cv. 2461-RZ. Foliar applications had no effect on fruit yellowing or loss of chlorophyll during storage at 15°C. However, during storage at 12°C, the intensity of yellowing of cv. 2461-RZ was reduced whereas that of cv. Picolino was increased. Post-harvest applications of Maxicrop had no effect on chlorophyll degradation or yellowing of fruits of cv. Picolino when stored at 12 or 15°C, but the intensity of yellowing of cv. 2461-RZ was reduced. At 20°C, Maxicrop (10 ml 1-1) reduced the intensity of yellowing of fruits of cv. Picolino but, in contrast to post-harvest immersion in gibberellic acid, there was no effect on total colour change. It is concluded that although foliar application of seaweed extract may increase crop yield, depending on the cultivar, neither pre- nor post-harvest applications of the extract improve fruit quality (ie. green colour retention) during storage. | |
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