ISHS Acta Horticulturae 511: XXV International Horticultural Congress, Part 1: Culture Techniques with Special Emphasis on Environmental Implications - Nutrient Management
STUDY ON RED DISCOLORATION OF CHICORY HEADS |
| Authors: | M.C. Seynnaeve, R. Sarrazyn, C. Vanderschelden, A. Calus |
| Keywords: | analysis, carbohydrates, chicory, composition, forcing, minerals, nutrient solution, red discoloration |
| Abstract:
The results of analyses of chicory roots and chicory heads (Cichorium intybus L.) as well as of forcing solutions were correlated with the appearance of red discoloration of the chicory heads after a shelf life of 7 days at 12°C. Nine root samples cv. Tabor, grown on different fields and stored at -2°C for 10 months, were analysed on electric conductivity (EC) and content of dry matter, minerals and carbohydrates. The roots of these 9 origins were forced by submitting them to 9 different forcing conditions. Roots and heads were analysed after forcing. The total analysis of dry matter, EC, minerals and carbohydrates in the roots before forcing explains for one third the appearance of red discoloration. The content of dry matter and the EC in the roots before forcing each explain for 10 to 20 % the appearance of red discoloration. Forcing at a constant EC value of more than 2 mS/cm limited the take-up of water, thus resulting in a higher dry matter in the roots after forcing and a lower discoloration of the chicory heads. The role of potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc in chicory roots and forcing solutions in controlling the appearance of red discoloration has to be further examined. | |
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