ISHS Acta Horticulturae 682: V International Postharvest Symposium
WHOLE PLANT APPLIED POTASSIUM: EFFECTS ON CANTALOUPE FRUIT SUGAR CONTENT AND RELATED HUMAN WELLNESS COMPOUNDS |
| Author: | G.E. Lester |
| Keywords: | Cucumis melo, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, fruit sugars, maturity, potassium |
| Abstract:
Cantaloupe fruit sugar content is directly related to potassium (K)-mediated phloem loading and unloading of sucrose into the fruit. Improving K content in melons, during fruit growth and maturation through soil applied fertilization, is a problem, as root uptake of K is poor at this stage of growth and K competes with the uptake of Ca and Mg, two essential minerals needed for melon fruit membrane structure, function and postharvest shelf-life. Netted, orange-flesh muskmelon [Cucumis melo L. (Reticulatus Group) ‘Cruiser’] fruits were grown in the greenhouse during the spring of 2003 and received regular N-P-K soil fertilization throughout the study. Three to 5 days after anthesis (fruit set) and up to 3 to 5 days prior to abscission (full-slip), amino acid complexed potassium (Potassium Metalosate 24% K) at 4.0 mL.L-1 (0.51 oz.gal-1) was sprayed on the leaves and fruit until run-off. Plants were sprayed either weekly, biweekly or not sprayed (control). Fruit from plants receiving weekly applications of foliar/sprays of K matured two days earlier, and had significantly higher fruit K content, soluble solids concentration, total sugars, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and beta-carotene content than fruit from plants not receiving foliar K applications. | |
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