Plant Productions

Effect of preharvest foliar spraying of compounds containing calcium and potassiumon on the shelf life of thornless blackberry

ehsan alinezhad; Mehdi hadadinejad; Kamran Ghasemi; Morteza Soleimani Aghdam

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 September 2024

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.46550.2157

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Blackberries due to the lack of protective layer or cuticle, are sensitive to decay and weight loss wrinkle after harvest. Therefore, blackberry have a short ... Read More Background and Objectives: Blackberries due to the lack of protective layer or cuticle, are sensitive to decay and weight loss wrinkle after harvest. Therefore, blackberry have a short life and long-term storage of blackberry is difficult. For this reason, in this study, the effect of pre-harvest treatments on the shelf life of thornless blackberry was investigated. Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in 2020 as a factorial in the form of a completely randomized design with two factors in three replications. The first factor consisted of nutritional treatments at five levels (control, calcium nitrate 5 g/L, potassium silicate 1 g/L, calcium nitrate 5 g/L + potassium silicate 1 g/L, and potassium fertilizer 51-0-0 with a concentration of 3.5 g/L) which applied in stage fruitset. The second factor was storage time in cold storage(4 ͦC) at four levels (0, 6, 12 and 18 days post harvesting). Qualitative traits (percentage of weight loss and firmness of the fruit), sensory quality (pH of the extract, soluble solids, taste index, ascorbic acid), nutritional value (total phenol and anthocyanin), and sensory evaluation (marketability, taste, and color of the fruit) were examined. Results: The results indicated during the storage period of blackberry, the weight loss of the berry showed an increasing trend. The combined treatment of calcium nitrate and potassium silicate significantly reduced berry water loss on the eighteenth day. This treatment also managed to maintain the highest berry firmness (0.21 N) during storage, whereas a decrease in firmness was observed with an increase in storage time. Berry length and width decreased with increased storage time, with the highest values obtained in the control treatment (2.107 and 1.923 centimeters, respectively). The levels of soluble solids and taste index increased from harvest to the twelfth day, with the highest amounts (9 and 4.22, respectively) obtained in the potassium silicate treatment. Also, the examination of the amount of ascorbic acid showed that during the storage period of blackberry, its amount in the control treatment increased until the sixth day and then decreased until the end of the storage period. The application of potassium silicate led to a significant preservation (P≤ 0.05) of vitamin C compared to other treatments during storage, with 9% of vitamin C observed in this treatment on the eighteenth day. The highest amount of phenols during storage, with the application of calcium nitrate and potassium silicate, was 74.75 mg/g gallic acid of fruit extract. Based on the results, fruit anthocyanin also showed the highest amount (189.8 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside per liter of juice) in the combined treatment of calcium nitrate*potassium silicate on the day of harvest.Finally, the sensory parameter evaluation showed that fruit quality decreased with increased storage time, along with a reduction in consumer preference. Among pre-harvest treatments, potassium treatments were found to be more effective. Discussion: The overall results have shown that using a combined treatment of calcium nitrate and potassium silicate increases the firmness of fruit during storage. Additionally, potassium silicate has a positive impact on the soluble solid content and fruit taste index, and it can help preserve vitamin C in the fruit. The use of calcium nitrate and potassium silicate enhances the levels of phenols and anthocyanins in the fruit. While the quality of the fruit may decrease with longer storage time, the use of nutritional treatments can assist farmers and fruit sellers in improving storage and enhancing the quality of their products.

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Comparison of Reproductive and Physicochemical Characteristics of Fruit in the Four Date Palm Cultivars `Qasb, Zahidi’, `Piyarom’ and `Medjool’ in Kerman Province

Bahareh Damankeshan; Seyyed Samih Marashi; Mohammad Asaadi

Volume 45, Issue 2 , September 2022, , Pages 193-204

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2022.38361.1992

Abstract

IntroductionDate cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in this experiment are the best cultivars of dried and semi-dry dates in Iran and the world. In many areas, their cultivated area ... Read More IntroductionDate cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in this experiment are the best cultivars of dried and semi-dry dates in Iran and the world. In many areas, their cultivated area is increasing. The low cost of harvesting, transportation and storage has made farmers want to cultivate these cultivars. In this experiment, important morphological and physicochemical traits of the fruit of these cultivars in Normashir region were studied and compared. Materials and MethodsThis experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with four treatments (Qasb, Zahedi, Pyarom and Medjool date cultivars) in 3 replications for 2 years (2017-2017). Twelve 15-year-old palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were selected. It was done in the collection of the Research Institute of Tropical Dates and Fruits located in Narmashir city. In this study, number of clusters, number of strands per cluster, percentage of fruit set, parthenocarpy and fruit drop, cluster yield, fruit flesh to kernel ratio, fruit flesh percentage, length, diameter, weight and volume of fruit and kernel, moisture content, total sugar reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and soluble solids were measured. Results and DiscussionQasb cultivar has more clusters (8 clusters) than other cultivars. The number of strings in the cluster was more in Qasb (61.16) and Pyarom (60) cultivars than other cultivars. The highest percentage of fruit set (76.73%) was observed in Zahedi cultivar and the highest percentage of fruit drop (53.45) was observed in Qasb cultivar. The highest yield per bunch (5547 g), weight (13.77 g), length (4.27 cm), diameter (2.22 cm) and fruit volume (12.74 cm3) were observed in Medjool cultivar. The cultivars were the same in Seed diameter. Zahedi cultivar had the lowest length (2.1cm) and kernal weight (0.8 g) and parthenocarpy (0.47%). Medjool had the highest seed weight (1.09 g) and Pyarom (2.61 cm) and Qasb (2.60 cm) cultivars had the highest seed length. Medjool cultivar had the highest pulp to kernel ratio (11.86), highest percentage of pulp (92.2%) and highest moisture content (18.12%). Zahedi cultivar had the highest total sugar content (77.85), reducing sugar (73.7) and non-reducing sugar (3.15) and total soluble solids content (77.85). ConclusionThe results of this study showed that under the same managerial and climatic conditions, the top cultivars of dates are different in terms of reproductive characteristics. The high percentage of fruit set and the low percentage of fruit loss and parthenocarpy in Zahedi cultivar indicate the high success of cultivation of this cultivar in the region and similar climates. Cultivars also differ greatly in physicochemical properties of the fruit. In suitable managerial and climatic conditions at the time of pollination, Medjool cultivar with high yield and superior characteristics of fruit in terms of weight, length, diameter and volume of fruit for cultivation with the aim of export seems appropriate. Qasb and Pyarom cultivars with suitable appearance characteristics and lower sugar content are welcomed by some consumers. It is better for gardeners to cultivate and develop cultivars based on market demand in each region and export goals.

Effects of Topping Date and Preharvest Irrigation Cut-Off on Some Qualitative and Quanitative Characteristics of Table Grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.) Cv. Askari

B. Kavoosi; B. Hasanpur

Volume 41, Issue 1 , June 2018, , Pages 83-96

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2018.13552

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important horticulture crops in Iran. In some regions, due to excess water and good climate, the ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important horticulture crops in Iran. In some regions, due to excess water and good climate, the vegetative growth is more than normal. The canopy plays a key role in light energycapture via photosynthesis apparatus, water use as regulated by transpiration, and microclimate of ripening grapes. Canopy management is an important aspect of viticulture due to its effect on grape yields, quality, vigor, and the prevention of grape diseases. Where vineyards have access to a permanent and unlimited water source, irrigation can be managed so that water stress is imposed during certain periods of time to increase fruit quality and to control canopy. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of topping times and preharvest cut-off irrigation treatments on the qualitative and Quanitative characteristics of Askari grapes in Dena (Sisakht) region during 2013-2015. Materials and Methods ‘Askari’ vines were 18 years old on their own roots, trained as a head system. The vines were spaced 2.5 × 3 m. They were pruned as spur pruning which left 60 buds (4-node spurs) on each vine. Vineyard had a drip irrigation system. Shoot topping done at 10th buds of the last cluster. An experiment was arranged as factorial that the first factor included different levels of topping dates with four levels (control, after fruit set, unripe stage and veraison stage), and the second factor involved the preharvest irrigation cut-off date treatments on four levels (Control, 70, 80 and 90 days after full bloom) in a randomized complete blocks design with four replications. Factors relating to the determination of the quality of fruit juices included %TSS, pH, TA%, vitamin C and TSS/TA ratio respectively. Also, bunch weight and yield were measured. Results Results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of topping and irrigation cut-off date treatment were significant on the TSS, TSS/TA, pH and Vit-C content (P≤0.01). But the interaction effects were significant only on the TSS/TA and Vit-C (P≤0.01). Finally, mean comparison showed that the highest vitamin C was observed at veraison stage and irrigation cutoff dates treatments at 80 and 90 days after full bloom. Discussion In some of vineyards, high vigour vines also have too much canopy shading which is detrimental to the light microclimate and has also been shown to lead to increase of TA and decrease of TSS and TSS/TA ratio. Therefore, canopy manipulation is used successfully in grape production to balance the vegetative and reproductive growth of vines. Differences in vine water status before veraison has been shown to have no effect on the onset of veraison, while withholding water after veraison can delay the accumulation of soluble solids under severe water deficits. Certainly, light and temperature are the most important environmental conditions that impact the growth and quality of grapes and unshaded conditions affect better coloring and increase TSS/TA ratio.

Study on the effects of dust on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollination and fruit set

A. Torahi; K. Arzani

Volume 40, Issue 2 , September 2017, , Pages 63-74

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2017.19084.1374

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesIn the recent years the phenomenon of dust increased in the environment, so has affected most agricultural products such as date palm. This study has been conducted ... Read More Background and ObjectivesIn the recent years the phenomenon of dust increased in the environment, so has affected most agricultural products such as date palm. This study has been conducted in order to study on the effects of dust on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollination and fruit set. The experiment was carried out in two growing seasons 2014 and 2015 in order to evaluate the effect of combined treatments including dust, rain and pollination on fruit set, parthenocarpic fruits and fruit abscission of 8-years old `Estamaran’ (‘Sayer’) date palms in the field. In addition, dust sediment manner on the flower and stigmatic surface in the simulated environment at the laboratory was studied. Materials and methodsIn each combined treatment in the field, all bunches of experimental trees was treated as replications. At the laboratory, simulation operation has been done by placing the flowers under binocular camera and operating the combined treatments using soft brush for dusting and pollination on the stigma, also manual hand spray was applied. A month after treatments, traits such as fruit set, parthenocarpic fruit and abscission percentage and dust sedimentation manner on the flower and stigma was studied. The data were analyzed statistically using the analysis of variance using MINITAB17 software.Results and Discussion Results showed that treatments had significant effects on the studied traits. Maximum obtained from pollination (66.11%) and minimum fruit set obtained from non-pollinated treatment (0.5%). In the other applied treatments, in spite of pollination, existence of one or two other factors and their operation order had different effects on fruit set. Combined treatments that included dust caused significant reduction in fruit set and led to the increase in fruit abscission. The maximum parthenocarpic fruit set observed in non-pollinated treatment (23.38%) with the significant difference in comparison to other treatments and the minimum parthenocarpic fruit produced by combined dust, rain and pollination treatment (0.48%). The maximum abscission was observed in the combined dust, rain and pollination treatment (83.82%) and the minimum abscission observed in pollination treatment (32.88%). The simulated operation results at the laboratory was approved and quiet similar to the results obtained from the field experiment, so the formation of dust insulator layer on the stigmatic surface inhibited most of the pollen grains for direct contact to the stigmatic surface. The obtained results from this research showed the negative impact of the dust on fruit set, so we conclude and suggest the repeat of pollination after the dust storm during date palm pollination.

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Keywords = Fruit set

Effect of preharvest foliar spraying of compounds containing calcium and potassiumon on the shelf life of thornless blackberry

Abstract

Comparison of Reproductive and Physicochemical Characteristics of Fruit in the Four Date Palm Cultivars `Qasb, Zahidi’, `Piyarom’ and `Medjool’ in Kerman Province

Abstract

Effects of Topping Date and Preharvest Irrigation Cut-Off on Some Qualitative and Quanitative Characteristics of Table Grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.) Cv. Askari

Abstract

Study on the effects of dust on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollination and fruit set

Abstract