Can the Firmness, Weight, and Size of Blueberry Fruit Be Enhanced through the Application of Low Amounts of Calcium to the Soil?
Plants (Basel)
; 13(1)2023 Dec 19.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38202309
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The firmness, weight, and size of blueberries are vital for commercial success of this crop. Fertilization is a key agronomic management practice that affects fruit quality, where calcium (Ca) plays a critical role. This study aimed to assess the impact of low levels of soil-dosed Ca in carboxylic acid form on fruit size, weight, firmness, and residual soil fertility.METHODS:
The study focused on two varieties of blueberries, Duke and Legacy, over two consecutive growing seasons on three commercial farms located in south-central Chile. This study consisted of five treatments, ranging from 0 to 4.0 kg Ca per hectare.RESULTS:
The highest firmness values observed for Duke were between 164 and 186 g mm-1, with size values ranging from 15.7 to 16.9 mm, and weight observations ranging from 1.60 to 1.76 g. On the other hand, Legacy showed firmness values between 163 and 173 g mm-1, with size values ranging from 16.2 to 17.2 mm, and weight observations ranging from 2.01 to 2.40 g.CONCLUSION:
The application of low Ca rates to the soil did not impact the size, weight, or firmness of 'Duke' and 'Legacy' blueberries. There was a positive correlation between the Ca soil application and the concentration of exchangeable Ca.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Plants (Basel)
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Chile
Country of publication:
Switzerland