ISHS Acta Horticulturae 379: International Symposium on Quality of Fruit and Vegetables: Influence of Pre- and Post- Harvest Factors and Technology
EFFECT OF GROWING METHODS ON THE INCIDENCE OF RUBBER NECKS IN CUCUMBER FRUITS |
| Author: | J. Janse |
| Abstract:
Within one week's storage, the phenomenon of 'rubber necks' may appear, especially among the first stem fruits of summer and autumn cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) crops. The stem end of these fruits is somewhat shrivelled and dried and has lost its firmness, while the colour is still good. In 3 glasshouse experiments, performed in summer and autumn, the effects of harvest stage, plant load (number of fruits per plant), frequencies of watering and ambient temperature level on the incidence of rubber necks were studied. Harvesting young instead of full-grown fruits resulted in higher scores for rubber necks. The combination of harvesting full-grown fruits and a high plant load gave a very poor colour after storage, but a very low incidence of rubber necks. In another experiment the score for rubber necks was higher when the fruit growth period was shorter and the fruit weight was lower. Watering frequencies had no effect on the incidence of rubber necks. Increased mean ambient temperature gave rise to enhanced fruit growth, higher loss of fruit colour and lower incidence of rubber necks. The results obtained indicate that the phenomenon of rubber necks is linked with the physiological age during fruit development. In order to minimize the risks of rubber necks, it is advised to harvest first stem fruits of summer and autumn crops at a well developed stage with moderate plant load. | |
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