ISHS Acta Horticulturae 346: V International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
CAC12 APPLICATIONS TO INCREASE HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY FIRMNESS |
| Authors: | Eric J. Hanson, Jane L. Beggs, R. M. Beaudry |
| Abstract:
We tested whether postharvest CaC12 dips or preharvest CaC12 sprays might improve the firmness or integrity of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). Dips were tested by immersing berries in 0–4% CaC12 solutions for 0.5 to 4 min, then holding berries at 2C for several days. A 50 cm length of 4 cm (inside diameter), PVC pipe was filled with berries, and dropped four times from a height of 10 cm onto a rigid surface. The vertical compression of the column of berries was recorded as an indicator of berry firmness. Compression and the percentage of crushed berries decreased linearly over CaC12 concentrations of 0–4%. However, an objectionable, salty taste was associated with CaC12 concentrations as low as 1%. Foliar CaC12 sprays were tested for one year on a commercial 'Bluecrop' planting. Up to a total of 11 kg CaC12/ha was applied in five sprays during the four weeks prior to harvest. No effects on berry firmness or shelf life were observed. | |
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